South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) has approved a funding boost for the Dandenong Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to support increased workforce capacity during peak demand periods. 

Operating since December 2022, the Dandenong Medicare UCC has supported more than 60,800 patient visits, making it the highest-volume Medicare UCC in Victoria. The clinic is open 14 hours a day, seven days a week and provides walk-in, fully bulk-billed, GP-led care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. 

The clinic plays a critical role in the local health system, supporting diversion from Dandenong Hospital (Monash Health). Voluntary patient survey data indicates that 54% of patients would have otherwise attended an emergency department, while 42% would have sought care from a GP, reinforcing the clinic’s role in improving system flow and access. 

The funding uplift will support additional GP, nursing and administrative staff during the busiest days and hours, enabling the service to safely accommodate increased patient volumes while maintaining quality, safety and continuity of care. Operating hours will remain unchanged, with the uplift focused on strengthening capacity during peak periods. 

This investment reflects SEMPHN’s commitment to responsive, evidence-based commissioning and ensuring people in Dandenong can access the right care, at the right time, close to home.