Urgent Care Service now open in Liverpool
05 Feb 2024
A NSW Government-funded Urgent Care Service (UCS) has opened at Liverpool, providing one-off care for
urgent healthcare needs which are not life-threatening and is safe to provide in a healthcare setting outside
of an emergency department.
Liverpool UCS is a collaboration between NSW Health and South Western Sydney Primary Health Network
(SWSPHN).
SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, welcomed the opening of the Liverpool UCS.
Dr McDonald said the service was intended to complement the role of GPs by providing short-term, episodic
care for urgent, non life-threatening conditions, while also relieving pressure on already stretched
emergency departments
“If your GP is closed or you can’t get an appointment, and your condition cannot wait until you can see your
regular GP, you can call Healthdirect for advice on accessing appropriate care,” he said.
“Urgent Care Services can treat minor illnesses like gastrointestinal illness or urinary tract infections; minor
injuries like closed fractures or simple lacerations; and procedures like suturing, drainage of abscesses and basic fracture management.
“The service means our community can get the care they need without having to wait in an emergency
department, and allow our busy emergency departments to focus on the most critically ill or injured
patients.”
The NSW Government has committed $124 million in funding over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care
Services across NSW by 30 June 2025.
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Treatment is free for all Medicare eligible card holders.
The new service is open seven days a week (including public holidays) from 8am to 8pm.
Residents can access the service by calling Healthdirect for free, anytime on 1800 022 222.
Callers speak with a registered nurse who asks a series of questions about their condition and then guides
them to the care they need (for interpreter services, call TIS on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect).
The Healthdirect nurse can:
• connect the patient with a health expert by phone or video call
• book the patient an appointment at a local Urgent Care Service
• connect the patient with other appropriate, locally available healthcare, including the patient’s usual GP
• call the patient an ambulance or direct them to the nearest emergency department if their situation is
an emergency
