A priority primary care centre (PPCC) will soon be opening at Maroondah Hospital to give a free alternative to visiting an emergency department (ED).
Premier Daniel Andrews and Acting Minister for Health Colin Brooks visited the recently opened Heidelberg PPCC on Tuesday 3 January to announce that another 12 are on track to open by early February, with 10 already operating across the state.
“Our Priority Primary Care Centres are giving Victorians the care they need – so fewer people end up in an emergency department because it’s the only free healthcare available to them,” Mr Brooks said.
“PPCCs are helping reduce waiting times in our EDs, while giving Victorians another option for non-emergency care – ultimately taking pressure off our hardworking doctors and nurses.”
Maroondah and Box Hill Hospitals will cover the outer eastern suburbs, while regional and city hospitals will also be gaining a PPCC.
Nine other PPCCs have opened recently in Ballarat, Dandenong, Epping, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Moonee Ponds, Narre Warren, Prahran and Sunshine.
Working in close partnership with local Primary Health Networks, the ten existing PPCCs have seen more than 6,000 patients – many of whom would otherwise have gone to an ED, despite needing lower-level care.
“Far too many Victorians can’t get in to see a GP at all, let alone one who bulk bills. It is a basic right that if you’re sick, you should be able get care at no cost – so we’re doing something about that,” Premier Andrews said.
“Our primary care system is broken, and National Cabinet must make reforming the system its priority for 2023 – so every Australian has easy access to the affordable healthcare they deserve.”
The centres accept bookings and walk-ins, with doctors and nurses on site to treat a range of conditions like mild infections, fractures and burns, in addition to diagnostic services including pathology and medical imaging.
Many of the clinics are operating seven days a week and up to 16 hours a day, even over the summer break.
Early data has shown that the PPCCs are helping to reduce pressure on nearby EDs – with patients’ feedback overwhelmingly positive, due to much shorter wait times.
The Labor Government has put more than $70 million into PPCCs to deliver a free service for all Victorians, with or without a Medicare card.
