Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response.

The Centres support nearby hospital emergency departments by providing same-day GP appointments for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses such as mild infections, fractures and burns. They also offer pathology and imaging services onsite or nearby.

The Centres are open 7 days a week for extended hours and care is available to everyone (with or without a Medicare card). Thanks to Victorian Government funding, care is provided at no cost to patients.

You can drop-in to the Centres, book online or be referred by a service provider such as a GP, Ambulance or Emergency Department. If you’re a GP referring a patient to a PPCC, patient outcomes will be reported back to ensure seamless care. 

PPCCs are commissioned by primary health networks with funding from the Victorian and Australian governments. Australian Government funded clinics are also known as Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

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When to visit a PPCC

If your condition is serious, but not life-threatening*, you can visit a PPCC instead of waiting in an emergency department. They have GPs and nurses who specialise in providing urgent care.

They can treat conditions including:

• mild to moderate infections
• fever
• pain when urinating
• suspected minor fractures and sprains
• back and muscle pain
• minor cuts, burns, and insect or animal bites
• heartburn, vomiting, nausea
• headaches, migraines and brief fainting
• constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• allergies and rashes
• light bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy
• mild to moderate asthma attacks, coughs and other respiratory symptoms.**

*Call Triple Zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department if you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency.

**If you have tested positive to COVID-19, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or visit the Victorian Government website to access the care you need.

Watch the below video to learn more about how PPCCs and the VVED work.

Resources

The below materials can be used by health and community services to support appropriate referrals to PPCCs.