A new face-to-face general practice service, which aims to address the current gaps in afterhours primary health care delivery and improve access to timelier care, is now available for residents in Townsville and surrounding areas.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is pleased to announce the Townsville GP Superclinic will deliver the new comprehensive and integrated afterhours primary care service for people whose health conditions cannot wait for health care during normal hours.

The NQPHN Health Needs Assessment (HNA) 2022-24 confirms a demonstrated lack of comprehensive afterhours services, including access to general practices and pharmacies, with people finding it harder to access afterhours primary care, particularly where primary care services are already limited during normal hours.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said the afterhours primary care service would help reduce reliance on emergency departments (EDs) and avoidable hospitalisations after hours.

“We recognise there is a rising need for afterhours services in Townsville and surrounding areas, and the limited availability of primary care services after hours can lead to the increased use of emergency departments and urgent-care services,” Ms Whyte said.

“Townsville GP Superclinic was selected as the lead provider following a rigorous tendering process to ensure timely access to safe and high-quality afterhours services could be met.”

Ms Whyte said the Townsville GP Superclinic was equipped to meet the health care needs of residents in Townsville and commenced service delivery of the afterhours primary care service on 2 September 2023.

Townsville GP Superclinic Medical Director Dr Evan Nicholls said the new service would offer appointments to patients who needed to see a general practitioner (GP) after hours.

“This service will give patients access to increased same-day appointments, while also improving the area’s capacity to see a GP after hours,” he said.

“We are looking forward to helping more people get the afterhours health care they need in a more timely manner.”

The Townsville afterhours primary care service will operate Tuesday to Thursday from 6pm to 9pm, Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.

Ms Whyte said the afterhours primary care services would ultimately complement existing health services in the Townsville area.