Extended hours in general practice in selected LGAs

January 12, 2026

SEMPHN is pleased to announce that 11 general practices across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Frankston, Casey, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula and Greater Dandenong will be extending their opening hours to provide face-to-face on-site services in the after hours period​​​.​

SEMPHN's December 2023 Health Needs Assessment highlighted that limited access to after hours primary care may lead to an increase in non-urgent emergency department visits, causing overcrowding and higher health system expenses. After hours primary care is accessible and effective primary health care for people whose health condition cannot wait for treatment until regular primary health care services are next available. 

After hours period for this activity is defined as:

  • Thursday and Friday after 6pm 
  • Saturday after 12pm 
  • Sundays and public holidays 

The successful general practices are:

  • St Mary Medical Centre
  • Pakenham Medical Clinic 
  • Stud Road Medical Centre 
  • Hastings Family Medical Centre 
  • Duff Street Medical Centre 
  • Trident Medical Centre 
  • Baxter Medical & Dental 
  • Keysborough Superclinic 
  • Our Medical Home Cranbourne (allied health only) 
  • Seaford Beach Family Clinic 
  • St Germain Superclinic (since Nov 2024)

Selected practices have recruited allied health professionals and/or registered nurse/s to support the delivery of services in the after hours period:

  • St Mary Medical Centre 
  • Pakenham Medical Clinic 
  • Stud Road Medical Centre 
  • Keysborough Superclinic 
  • Our Medical Cranbourne 
  • Seaford Beach Family Clinic 

This program is funded from 17 November 2025 until 30 June 2026. 

Latest news

March 19, 2026
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) has released updated mental health training standards for 2026–2028, offering clearer guidance on training pathways required by GPs to access Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items related to mental health care under the Better Access Initiative.
March 17, 2026
From April 2026, SEMPHN’s Vulnerable Peoples Homebound Vaccination Program can receive referrals for Flu vaccination only, to eligible homebound individuals. Previously, the Flu vaccination was not available on its own.
March 16, 2026
Statewide referral criteria is now in effect for adult lung nodule conditions in public hospitals.