Over 70 Percent of ‘Urgent Care Clinics’ Don’t Meet Required Opening Hours: Senator

These clinics were promised by the Albanese government to help ease pressure on the stretched emergency departments.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seen during a press conference after attending a tour of the Murrumba Downs Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Murrumba Downs, north of Brisbane, on Jan. 31, 2024. AAP Image/Darren England

Almost three-quarters of urgent care clinics across Australia are currently operating fewer hours than required, a Senate estimates committee session revealed on Feb. 16.

Urgent Care Clinics—centres providing care for medical issues that are urgent, but not an emergency—were promised by the Albanese government during the 2022 election campaign to help ease pressure on stretched emergency departments.