South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) is pleased to announce that four new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are now open and providing care to communities in Carnegie, Sandringham, Somerville and Pakenham. The clinics commenced operation from 15 December 2025 and form part of the Australian Government’s expansion of the Medicare UCC program, which has delivered 50 new clinics across Australia, including 12 in Victoria. 

The new sites build on the success of SEMPHN’s four existing Medicare UCCs in Prahran, Dandenong, Narre Warren and Frankston. Across these clinics, demand has been strong from young families and young adults, with the highest-visiting age groups ranging from 0–5 years to 21–30 years. 

SEMPHN CEO Quinn Pawson said the expansion builds on strong and sustained community demand for urgent care services across south east Melbourne. 

“Since opening our first Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in 2022, more than 172,000 people have accessed care through our four existing clinics,” Mr Pawson said. “That level of uptake clearly shows how valued these services are by the community and the important role they play in the local health system.” 

Voluntary patient experience surveys from the four established clinics highlight the impact of the services. One patient in Prahran said, “I felt seen and heard. The wait time was short, and the staff were excellent. This is a great service.” Another patient at Dandenong shared, “I was seen very quickly and involved in my diagnosis. The nurse and doctor were friendly and caring, and the service was thorough.” 

Surveys also show that without the option of a Medicare UCC, many patients would have sought care through a hospital emergency department (ED). At Narre Warren, for example, 66% of survey respondents said they would have attended a local ED if the clinic wasn’t available, while at Prahran and Dandenong, more than 50% reported the same. Others indicated they would have delayed care or attempted to see a GP, with up to 44% saying they would have attended a local general practice instead. 

Mr Pawson said the model is also strongly supported by general practitioners working within the clinics and the broader primary care sector. 

“GPs working in Medicare UCCs consistently tell us they value the opportunity to provide urgent, but not life-threatening care in a well-supported environment,” he said. “At the same time, local practices value knowing their patients have access to timely, high-quality care when they are unable to see them, particularly after hours or at short notice.” 

He said the opening of four additional clinics further strengthens the region’s urgent care capacity. 

“With eight Medicare UCCs now operating across south east Melbourne, more people can receive the right care, sooner, and closer to home,” Mr Pawson said. “This supports emergency departments to focus on critical care while strengthening the connection between urgent care services and general practice.” 

Medicare UCCs provide assessment and treatment for urgent but non-emergency conditions such as minor fractures, sprains, cuts, burns and mild infections. All attendances are fully bulk-billed, and clinics are staffed by GPs, nurses and other qualified clinicians with access to imaging and pathology services. 

The early response to the new clinics has been positive, complementing SEMPHN’s ongoing work to strengthen primary care access across south east Melbourne. 

For more information about Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, visit our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics page. 

This launch of these new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics is supported by funding from South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network through the Australian Government’s PHN Program. 

Read the full media release from the Australian Government here.