The federal Labor government has pledged to establish a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the Hawkesbury region, responding to strong community advocacy for enhanced healthcare facilities, particularly west of the river.

While a decision on the clinic's exact location is pending, the announcement has been welcomed by Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, who spearheaded the campaign for this medical facility in the Hawkesbury.

Templeman noted that over 2,000 residents signed her petition supporting the clinic. She emphasised the difficulties locals face in accessing timely care at the Hawkesbury Hospital Emergency Department, especially after the closure of the After Hours GP Clinic under the previous government. "This new clinic will help ease pressure on the emergency department as well as local GP clinics," Ms. Templeman stated.

"Only Labor will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the Hawkesbury so you can get the free urgent care you need, fully bulk billed, without waiting hours in a busy hospital emergency department," she added.

Templeman also mentioned that the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will operate seven days a week, with extended hours, alleviating strain on the Hawkesbury District Hospital.

The Albanese Labor Government has committed $644 million to open an additional 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics nationwide, with plans to have all new clinics operational in the next financial year. This initiative builds on their previous promise to establish 50 clinics, surpassing expectations by delivering 87 during their tenure. 

The new clinics, including the one in Hawkesbury, are slated to open during the 2025-26 financial year. The specific location and providers for the Hawkesbury clinic will be determined through an independent commissioning process, typically involving a competitive tender or expressions of interest to identify the most suitable provider.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are designed to offer bulk-billed care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, operating seven days a week with extended hours and no appointment necessary. More than 1.2 million Australians have already been treated at existing clinics, with one-third of patients under the age of 15, highlighting their importance to families.

"Labor is building Australia's future with the largest investment in Medicare in over 40 years," the Prime Minister said. He also highlighted that once all clinics are operational, four in five Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.