From today, 19 December, residents in Cairns will now have access to free bulk-billed urgent care, with the opening of the Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) next to Balance! Edmonton Family Practice.

Located at 5b Walker Rd, Edmonton, the Cairns South Medicare UCC will open seven days a week (including public holidays) and for the first month, will open:

• Monday - Friday: 12pm – 8pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 6pm
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day: 3pm - 8pm

Hours will be extended after this period.

The clinic offers walk-in care to treat urgent non-life-threatening conditions that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) CEO Sean Rooney said the Cairns South Medicare UCC would make it easier for the community to access timely health care for urgent, but not life-threatening, conditions.

“Today’s opening of the Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will make a positive difference in the lives of the people of North Queensland,” Mr Rooney said.

“The clinic will help to reduce pressure on the Cairns Hospital emergency department (ED) and bridge the gap between general practitioner care and the emergency department for people in the region.”

Balance! Healthcare Founder and Director Kate Gunn said the Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic would provide urgent care for residents.

“The clinic is open from today onwards and our team is able to provide care for urgent health conditions, including minor fractures, wounds, minor burns, infections, and illnesses such as urinary tract infections (UTI) and gastroenteritis,” Ms Gunn said.

“Patients can walk in without an appointment or referral and be seen by a highly trained doctor or nurse in a GP setting – no need to wait in a hospital emergency department.”

Balance! Edmonton Family Practice was selected to establish the Cairns South Medicare UCC following a rigorous select tender process.