Acknowledging that access to timely healthcare is vital for Latrobe Valley residents, The Nationals’ Member for Morwell Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to provide funding security for the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic (UCC).
The UCC in Moe provides GP-led care for people who need urgent care, but not an emergency response, making it a critical element of the healthcare system in regional areas.
“Latrobe Community Health Service does a terrific job of operating the UCC and feedback from the community shows it’s a trusted place where people know they can access urgent care when they need it,” Mr Cameron said.
“The UCC alleviates pressure on the emergency department at Latrobe Regional Health, where 57 per cent of patients waited more than four hours to receive care last year.
“There is also no pharmacy offering 24-hour service in the Latrobe Valley, making the UCC even more crucial in ensuring residents have access to urgent care.
“But currently the UCC is only funded year on year, which makes it incredibly difficult to attract and retain nurses and doctors when their employment isn’t guaranteed beyond 12 months.
“More than ever before, locals need to be assured they can access urgent care without having to present to the emergency department.
“Instead of passing the buck and lashing hospitals by threatening ‘consequences’ if they don’t meet targets, the Minister for Health should focus on properly funding the whole health system.
“I’m calling on the Minister to consider funding the Latrobe UCC on a multi-year basis to shore-up operations at the clinic and guarantee continued access to urgent care for my community.”
