More patients can now access After Hours care in South Eastern Melbourne

October 23, 2025

SEMPHN is pleased to announce that nine general practices in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Mornington Peninsula, Cardinia and Casey have been recommissioned to extend their opening hours, providing more face-to-face onsite services during the after-hours period. 

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.

SEMPHN's December 2023 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.

Congratulations to the following general practices:

  • St Germain Super Clinic
  • Serendib Medical Services
  • Cockatoo Family Medical Practice
  • Pakenham Family Health
  • Atticus Regional Medicentre - Hastings
  • Cranbourne Medical Clinic
  • Hallam Family Practice
  • The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic
  • Somerville Medical Centre

This program is funded until 30 June 2026. 

Please note, this program will conclude on 30 June 2026 in the context of a significantly expanded Commonwealth Medicare urgent care system, which provides alternative pathways for after-hours care.

A range of alternative services are now available to support access to after-hours care, including 1800MEDICARE, which provides free 24/7 health advice from registered nurses, and Medicare Urgent Care Clinics for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions.

Latest news

New planning tool helps GP clinics improve patient experience, staff wellbeing and efficiency

June 26, 2026
Managing multiple systems, workflows, and team needs can feel overwhelming. 

Applications closing soon: Victorian Jewish Community Wellbeing Grant

June 25, 2026
There are only two weeks left to apply for South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network’s (SEMPHN) Victorian Jewish Community Wellbeing Grant , and the eligibility criteria have been updated. Applications close Thursday 9 July .

Mental Health & Better Access Quality Improvement - Activity 2

June 24, 2026
The purpose of the activity is to ensure all patients with a coded mental health diagnosis are reviewed for eligibility and, where appropriate, offered a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), supporting better access to care and compliance with quality improvement standards.