Workforce Gaps Remain Key Concern Despite UCCs Reducing ED Pressure
24 Feb 2026
The second interim report analysed 87 UCCs operating between June 2023 and August 2025. During that period, clinics saw 1.82 million presentations and provided “reasonably strong evidence” that UCCs reduced urgent presentations to EDs by up to 10%.
Key Findings
-
ED impact: No clear evidence that UCCs have reduced waiting times in EDs.
-
Appropriateness of presentations: Over 8% of visits were more suited to routine GP care, possibly underestimating lower-acuity cases.
-
Staffing concerns: Expansion of the Medicare UCC network to 137 clinics raises concerns about relying on the same limited pool of staff, with locums and casual workers needed in some areas. Regional and rural clinics report difficulty maintaining qualified staff, leading to intermittent closures.
-
Continuity of care: The proportion of patients whose care was handed over to their regular GP decreased slightly from 68% to 65%.
Patient and Staff Experience
-
95% of patients rated their care as good or very good.
-
Median waiting times fell from 14.5 minutes to 13.2 minutes.
-
Average cost per presentation decreased to $206 from $246.50.
-
Among UCC staff, 80% felt they could work to the top of their scope, but only 59% found the workload manageable.
Commentary
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the reduction in ED pressure but emphasised the ongoing need to support the workforce and improve communication back to GPs.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted that the report shows a “very material reduction” in urgent and semi-urgent ED presentations but acknowledged staffing and access to services like pathology and imaging remain priorities.
The final evaluation of UCCs is expected by the end of 2026.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP