The Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, in Smithfield, has undergone significant upgrades with a new purpose-built entrance and clinical spaces, making it easier for people to access care.
The space was officially unveiled by Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Senator the Hon Nita Green and Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith today.
The upgrades consist of two consultation rooms, a triage room, a three-bed treatment room, reception desk, and two waiting areas.
The Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has a team of 15 GPs who rotate on a monthly roster, three nurse practitioners, and a large team of experienced nurses and medical receptionists.
The clinic is open from 8am to 10pm every day for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but can’t wait for a regular GP appointment.
Since opening in March, the clinic has seen more than 12,600 patients.
On average, 60 patients a day present with conditions including urinary tract infections (UTIs), lacerations, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), skin infections, and abdominal pain.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic had become an important primary healthcare service for the local community.
“The urgent care clinic has already helped more than 12,600 people access timely care close to home, demonstrating the strong demand for urgent care services in Cairns,” he said.
“As demand continues to grow, it’s important that people can access urgent care easily and conveniently.
“These upgrades will help create a more welcoming experience for patients while supporting continued access to high-quality care.”
Dr Malcolm Parmenter, Managing Director of Partnered Health Primary Care, which operates the Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, said the new premises was an exciting development.
“This modern facility will enable our dedicated healthcare professionals to continue providing high-quality urgent care in a setting designed to support both patients and staff,” he said.
“We are proud to invest in healthcare services that improve access, reduce pressure on emergency departments, and deliver outstanding patient experiences.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Northern Queensland PHN and the Federal Government for making this facility possible along with our clinicians, staff, and patients who have supported our journey.”
Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Medical Director Dr Angie Vico said it was privilege to serve the northern Cairns community.
“Our doors are open to everyone,” she said. “We sincerely aim to provide a nurturing experience in a safe, supportive, friendly environment, within close proximity to imaging, pathology, pharmaceutical, and local GP services.
“A big shout out of gratitude to the people who have made this health service possible, and internally to our wonderful staff and management.”
Both Cairns’ clinics – Cairns North and Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinics – are helping to ease pressure on the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service emergency department.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide urgent care services for conditions and illnesses that are episodic and not immediately life-threatening, such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), minor fractures or sprains, minor eye and ear problems, wounds, and minor burns.
The Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is located at Smithfield Central Doctors, 7-11 Mount Milman Drive, Smithfield, and is open from 8am-10pm, seven days a week, including public holidays.
The Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is funded by NQPHN through the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Captions: NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth, MP Matt Smith, Senator Nita Green, and UCC Medical Director Dr Angie Vico, and the Partnered Health team that run the Cairns North Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.