Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Planned for Maitland as Expressions of Interest Open

newy.com.au – Expressions of Interest are now open for the establishment of a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Maitland, with the announcement made on 8 July 2025 at Riverlink on the Maitland Levee. The new clinic forms part of the Albanese Government’s plan to roll out 50 additional Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) under the 2025–26 Budget.

The Maitland clinic will offer walk-in, bulk billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments. It will operate extended hours, seven days a week, with no out-of-pocket costs to patients. The government is seeking expressions of interest from general practices capable of hosting the UCC and delivering care in line with the Medicare model.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Rural Health Emma McBride MP said the clinics “allow Australians to get the urgent care they need without needing to wait in an emergency department.” Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP added, “This is great news for Maitland and the wider region… locals will be able to get high quality care close to home and without the cost.”

Practices located in Maitland, East Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Morpeth, Rutherford, Thornton and Tenambit are eligible to apply. To be considered, general practices must demonstrate readiness to provide urgent care services and have access to pharmacy, pathology and radiology services.

The expression of interest process closes on 15 July, followed by a pre-tender briefing on 23 July, coordinated by the Primary Health Network. Since October 2023, the Hunter New England and Central Coast region has recorded more than 89,900 presentations at five existing UCCs, highlighting strong community demand for the service.