In what is believed to be a first for the federally backed program, two general practices and a 24/7 nurse-led hotline are picking up the slack.
Bundaberg’s Medicare urgent care clinic has “closed until further notice”, marking what is believed to be the first closure of a federal UCC since their inauguration in June of 2023, albeit temporary.
The Bundaberg MUCC was opened by the federal government last November.
The clinic, like other MUCCs, aimed to “make it easier for people in Queensland to get the urgent treatment they need – from highly qualified doctors and nurses – while taking pressure off local hospitals”, according to the federal government.
Last week, the Bundaberg UCC closed its doors, without any indication of when it would reopen.
The clinic is now “closed until further notice”, according to its webpage.
Speaking to The Medical Republic, CEO of the Country to Coast Primary Health Network Julie Sturgess said the service remained “non-operational”.
“Country to Coast cannot provide comment on the temporary service disruption, but we anticipate that Bundaberg MUCC services will recommence soon,” she told TMR.
“Service recommencement details will be shared when more information becomes available.”
While services are down, the local primary healthcare workforce is supporting the community through a 24/7 phone service Connect2Care Bundaberg, operated by national virtual health service provider, Healthdirect.
“Connect2Care Bundaberg’s registered nurses provide free on-the-spot assessment and advice, including arranging a free 24/7 GP phone or video consultation where needed,” said Ms Sturgess.
Two local general practices – Northstar Medical Centre and Family Practice Plus Avoca – are also picking up the slack, offering extended hours.
The MUCC’s provider, Indigenous Wellbeing Centre, is a non-profit Aboriginal controlled health organisation.
IWC told TMR it was “unable to comment for contractual reasons and because of ongoing matters relating to the Bundaberg UCC contract”.
DoHAC shouldered the PHN with responsibility for the upkeep of the MUCC.
“PHNs and service providers are expected to partner collaboratively to commission and deliver health services for Australians,” a DoHAC spokesperson told TMR.
“It is the responsibility of PHNs to ensure service providers are meeting the requirements of their contract.
“MUCCs may experience intermittent temporary closures due to various factors, including workforce availability, local context, severe weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
“The [Coast2Coast] PHN as commissioner of the UCC is working with local stakeholders to ensure a UCC is operational in Bundaberg as soon as possible.”
AMA Queensland president Dr Nick Yim told TMR that he hoped for a quick solution but reiterated the AMAQ’s skepticism of MUCCs.
“We hope this situation can be resolved soon so people in Bundaberg can get medical treatment,” he said.
“However, AMA Queensland has long-held concerns about the viability of urgent care clinics.
“We believe the federal funding for these clinics would be better invested in existing general practices around the state so every Queenslander gets better access to their GP.
“GPs keep people healthy and well and out of hospital and reduce pressure on our emergency departments.
“We need more GPs, not subsidised federal clinics that compete with existing practices for the limited workforce available.”
