Walk-in, bulk-billed service helping local patients avoid unnecessary emergency 

Located at 17 John Street, Pakenham, opposite the Pakenham Marketplace, the clinic operates 14 hours a day, seven days a week, providing walk-in care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. 

Since opening in December 2025, the clinic has supported 3,242 patient visits, showing strong demand for urgent care when people cannot get a same-day GP appointment. Many of the presenting patients have been working-age adults (25–44 years) and young children aged 0–5 years. 

Supporting timely care and reducing Emergency Department demand 

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics treat conditions that require prompt attention while helping reduce pressure on busy emergency departments. 

Around 37% of patients attending the Pakenham clinic reported they would have otherwise attended an emergency department if the service was not available. 

“People can access care when they need it, particularly if they can’t get in to see their regular GP,” Dr Adeli said. “For many conditions, patients might otherwise spend hours waiting in emergency departments for treatment that can safely be managed in urgent care.” 

Dr Adeli said the fully bulk-billed model also improves access for the local community. 

“Bulk billing means patients can access urgent care without worrying about cost, and the walk-in model means they can be seen when they need care most.” 

The clinic helps people get the right care in the right place, while allowing emergency departments to focus on the most serious and life-threatening cases.

Treating common urgent conditions 

Since opening, clinicians have treated a wide range of urgent presentations including: 

• Acute illness 
• Sprains and acute injuries 
• Sporting injuries 
• Lacerations and cuts 
• Insect bites 
• Suspected fractures 
• Respiratory illness and asthma flare-ups 

Dr Adeli said the clinic also occasionally manages more serious presentations before transferring patients to hospital when required. 

“We stabilise patients and arrange transfer when emergency care is needed, but most people we see can safely be managed here without needing to go to hospital.”

Accessible care close to home 

The Pakenham Medicare UCC is operated by ForHealth, which manages a network of primary care services across Australia. ForHealth Regional Manager – Victoria, Kate Sharp, said the response from the community since opening has been encouraging. 

“What has surprised us most is how quickly the community has embraced the service and how much people value having access to after-hours urgent care close to home,” Ms Sharp said. 

“We’ve seen many patients express relief at having another option outside of the emergency department.”

Patient feedback has highlighted the convenience of the service, short wait times and positive experiences with staff. 

“I received fast, friendly service. I was in and out within 30 minutes and felt relieved to have received expert medical advice,” one patient shared. 

Another patient said: 

“It’s great having this clinic in Pakenham rather than going to Casey Hospital for things that are semi urgent.” 

For Dr Adeli, understanding when to use urgent care is key. 

“If your condition is urgent but not an emergency, and you can’t see your regular GP, that’s when a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic can help,” Dr Adeli said.

When to visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic 

Visit a Medicare UCC if: 

• Your regular GP is unavailable and your condition cannot wait 
• You need urgent care for a non-life-threatening illness or injury 
• You would otherwise consider attending an emergency department 

Visit our page to find your nearest Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in south east Melbourne. 

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).