What are PPCCs?

The PPCC initiative aims to reduce demand on hospital emergency departments by providing a primary care service for urgent conditions that do not require an emergency response. PPCCs are GP-led services that increase access to primary care and provide care for people with conditions such as mild infections, fractures and burns.

PPCCs may be stand-alone clinics or operate as part of a GP clinic or community health service. The Centres will be open for extended hours (up to 16 hours per day), 7 days a week and free for people of all ages (with and without a Medicare card).

The clinics are supporting nearby hospital emergency departments by providing GP-led care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as mild infections, fractures and burns. They also offer pathology and imaging services onsite or nearby.

Care is be available to anyone with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the patient. (Costs may be required for imaging, pathology and other services.)

You can also visit the Better Health Channel website to book at a clinic near you.

When to visit a PPCC

If your condition is serious, but not life-threatening*, you can visit a PPCC instead of waiting in an emergency department. They have GPs and nurses who specialise in providing urgent care.

They can treat conditions including:

• mild to moderate infections
• fever
• pain when urinating
• suspected minor fractures and sprains
• back and muscle pain
• minor cuts, burns, and insect or animal bites
• heartburn, vomiting, nausea
• headaches, migraines and brief fainting
• constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• allergies and rashes
• light bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy
• mild to moderate asthma attacks, coughs and other respiratory symptoms.**

*Call Triple Zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department if you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency.

**If you have tested positive to COVID-19, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or visit the Victorian Government website to access the care you need. Anyone who is mildly unwell with respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, runny nose or fever) can book an appointment at a GP respiratory clinic.

PPCCs in south eastern Melbourne

The first four PPCCs in our region are now open:

Prahran PPCC (supporting the Alfred Hospital)
Sandringham Ambulatory Care Centre
20 Commercial Road, Melbourne
Phone bookings: (03) 9119 1055
Online bookings: prahranppcc.com.au

Narre Warren PPCC (supporting Casey Hospital)
ForHealth Narregate Medical & Dental Centre
60 Victor Cres, Narre Warren
Phone bookings: (03)9771 2020
Online bookings: narregatemedicalcentre.com.au/priority-primary-care-centre

Dandenong PPCC (supporting Dandenong Hospital)
Greens Medical Group (Keys Medical)
1/134 Logis Blvd, Dandenong South
Phone bookings: (03) 9579 7933
Online bookings: greensmedicalgroup.com.au/dandenong-priority-primary-care-centre

Frankston PPCC (supporting Frankston Hospital)
Sandringham Ambulatory Care Centre
28 Cranbourne Road, Frankston
Phone bookings: (03) 9119 1077
Online bookings: frankstonppcc.com.au

PPCCs are commissioned by primary health networks with funding from the Victorian Government.