RACGP Says Urgent Care Clinics Should Stay GP-Led
27 Mar 2026
The RACGP says UCCs must remain GP-led to provide safe, high-quality care.
The ACN wants the Federal Government to update rules so NPs can take a larger role. ACN Chief Executive Kathryn Zeitz says this would make better use of nurse practitioners and improve access to urgent care. She argues that staffing rules and Medicare regulations are limiting UCCs from reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments.
However, RACGP President Dr Michael Wright says the lead role should stay with GPs. He says UCCs work best when GPs and nurses collaborate, keeping care connected to local general practices and avoiding duplication or wasted public funds.
A recent report on 87 UCCs found many clinics, especially in regional and rural areas, struggle with staff shortages and rely heavily on locums. The ACN believes letting NPs lead would help solve these problems, while Dr Wright maintains that the GP-led model remains the safest and most effective approach.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: RACGP / newsGP