Wishing you a safe and happy festive season

December 2, 2022

Please note SEMPHN's closure dates from December 2022 to January 2023

Our team are taking some well-deserved time off from 2pm Friday, 23 December 2022 until 9am Tuesday, 3 January 2023.

While many of us are taking some well-deserved time off, we know this time of year can be a time of heightened stress, anxiety or sadness.

Please note: the Access & Referral phone line will be closed from 12 pm (noon), 23 December 2022 until 9 am, 3 January 2023. 

If you or someone you know needs mental health services or support, call Head to Health on 1800 595 212. This service will be available Monday to Friday 8.30 am–5 pm (except public holidays) over the festive season.

Latest news

August 13, 2025
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) childhood pneumococcal schedule, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
August 13, 2025
Following a recent increase in mpox cases in Victoria, the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) has provided information for general practitioners, highlighting the key updates and actions.
August 8, 2025
South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) will soon seek to commission general practice providers to establish four new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics servicing residents in and around the following Local Government Areas (LGAs) and locations: Bayside Stonnington - with a focus on the eastern area and bordering suburbs Mornington Peninsula - with a focus on Hastings Cardinia - with a focus on Pakenham  Please note: locations are subject to change. The upcoming Request for Tender (RfT) will outline the final eligible locations. This tender opportunity is part of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's commitment to expand UCCs across the country, opening 50 new clinics nationwide, including 12 in Victoria. SEMPHN expects to open a RfT in mid-late August 2025. Background information Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) reduce demand on hospital emergency departments by providing a primary care service for urgent conditions that do not require an emergency response. UCCs are GP-led services that increase access to primary care, providing treatment to people with conditions such as mild infections, sprains, broken bones and minor burns. They also offer pathology and imaging services. UCCs are expected to be open for 14 hours a day, 7 days a week (including public holidays), and are free for people of all ages (with or without a Medicare card). Visit health.gov.au and refer to the Medicare UCC Operational Guidance for more information. Eligibility requirements Detailed eligibility criteria will be available in the RfT documentation. Tender documentation and process SEMPHN will use eProcure as its portal for this RfT opportunity. To apply, interested providers must be registered for eProcure. Once registered, you will receive email notifications when the tender is published. Additionally, we publish a commissioning newsletter that shares tender opportunities and announcements. You can sign up to receive SEMaphore here . Communication and enquiries Once the RfT opens, interested parties will be able to submit questions via eProcure .The team is currently unable to answer any questions about this opportunity. We look forward to sharing more details about this exciting opportunity in the coming weeks and expanding these critically important services within the south east Melbourne region.