Tasmanians are continuing to turn to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in record numbers for timely and free care, easing pressure on busy hospital emergency departments across the state.
Last week, Tasmania’s five Medicare Urgent Care Clinics collectively treated 1,586 patients. This is more than the Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department (1,562 patients in the week to 16 October) and nearly double the Launceston General Hospital (854).
The Albanese Labor Government’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are making it easier for Tasmanians to get the urgent care they need without long waits or out-of-pocket costs.
Since opening, Tasmania’s clinics have treated over 117,000 patients for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, freeing up hospitals to focus on emergencies. The data shows Tasmanians are relying on these clinics when they need them most with more than a quarter of all visits happening on weekends and over a third of weekday appointments occurring after 5pm.
The majority of patients are families with children, with around one in four visits made by young people under 15.
There are now Medicare Urgent Care Clinics operating in Launceston, Devonport, Hobart (Liverpool Street) and Hobart (Bathurst Street) and Bridgewater, with additional clinics to open in Burnie, Kingston and Sorell by mid-2026 – expanding access to urgent care for even more Tasmanian families.
The clinics are operated by local general practices and are open extended hours, seven days a week.
All services are fully bulk billed, meaning patients only need their Medicare card – not their credit card.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler:
“These numbers show Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are delivering exactly what we promised – free, fast and high-quality care when and where people need it.
“They are giving Tasmanians an alternative to the emergency department for non-life-threatening issues, easing hospital pressure and making health care more accessible.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White:
“Tasmania’s five Medicare Urgent Care Clinics treated more patients in recent weeks than the state’s busiest emergency department. That tells you just how important these clinics are to local communities.
“For families, it means faster treatment, no out-of-pocket costs and less time waiting in hospital emergency rooms. It’s exactly what Labor’s Medicare was designed to do, deliver affordable, accessible care for everyone.”