Geelong will receive a new Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) early next year.
The centre, in Belmont, is a GP-led service that will provide more options for people seeking access to urgent medical care that do not need hospitalisation.
Eastbrooke Family Clinic Belmont was awarded the contract to operate the PPCC, which will be located within the existing Eastbrooke Health Hub site at 75 Roslyn Road Belmont.
Once operational, the centre will be open seven days per week from 11am to 9pm. The service will be free, and patients will not require an appointment.
The initiative is funded through Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN).
“People suffering conditions such as mild infections, fractures and burns will be able to receive treatment from the Geelong PPCC instead of having to wait in emergency at the University Hospital,” WVPHN chief executive Rowena Clift said.
“WVPHN welcomes the addition of the Geelong PPCC to primary health support services in western Victoria.”
Barwon Health chief executive Frances Diver said the addition of a new service that provides more primary care and enhanced GP access was welcome.
“Barwon Health will work with Eastbrooke Family Clinic Belmont to enable appropriate referrals to our services including the emergency departments,” she said.
The PPCC will be staffed by a team of GPs and nurses, and patients will be triaged on arrival to determine their suitability for the service.
The PPCC will treat patients with urgent conditions such as lacerations or cuts requiring stitches, basic fractures, minor burns, rashes, ear nose and throat infections, other infections, and gastroenteritis.
Patients requiring non-urgent regular medical care will be redirected to their regular GP for ongoing management.
Patients experiencing an emergency or life-threatening conditions should still attend an emergency department. This includes conditions such as severe breathing difficulties leaving the person unable to speak, stroke symptoms, anaphylaxis, significant bleeding, deep or large burns, and major breaks or major fractures.
