As parents and carers, we all know the feeling of panic when a little one is unwell or injured. But in the moment, knowing where to go for the right medical care can be confusing. Should you rush to the emergency department? Call your GP? There is another option!
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are making it easier for families to access urgent medical care without the long waits at hospital emergency departments. CPR Kids founder, Sarah Hunstead, recently collaborated with Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to help parents better understand how these clinics work and what families can expect.
What Are Medicare Urgent Care Clinics?
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide bulk-billed, walk-in medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are designed to bridge the gap between GP clinics and hospital emergency departments, ensuring families can get urgent care quickly and without the stress of long waits at the hospital.
To help parents understand the process, Sarah explains more in this 1 minute 17 second video. She talks about when you might use a UCC, what you need, and how it works.
When Should You Visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?
A Medicare UCC is a great option when your child needs urgent care, but their condition is not life-threatening.
You can visit for things like: ✔ Fevers and infections ✔ Minor fractures and sprains ✔ Wounds and stitches ✔ Mild asthma attacks ✔ Rashes and allergic reactions (not anaphylaxis) ✔ Vomiting, diarrhoea, or dehydration concerns
If your child has a life-threatening emergency, such as severe breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or a suspected serious injury, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. If ambulance care is not required but the situation is still serious, take your child to the nearest emergency department. Remember—fever (a temperature of 38°C or more) in a baby under 3 months old is considered a medical emergency.
Sarah’s First-Hand Experience at a Medicare UCC
“I came and used the facilities at the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic when I broke my foot. I knew that I couldn’t wait to see the GP. It wasn’t bad enough for the emergency department, so I came here.”
In this 57 second video, Sarah shares her own experience with a Medicare UCC.
She highlights how the clinic provided fast, professional, and friendly care without needing a hospital visit. Knowing these clinics are available to support families in those stressful moments is reassuring!
How to Find a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
If you ever need urgent medical help for your child, you can find a Medicare UCC near you using the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic locator.
Having a plan in place before an emergency happens can make all the difference. So, take a moment to check where your nearest Medicare UCC is and save the location in your phone—just in case!
And remember—if you aren’t sure where to go, e.g., to the hospital, urgent care, or GP, call Health Direct or the Nurse on Call for advice.
At CPR Kids, we always encourage parents and carers to feel confident in making the right decisions about their child’s health. Knowing where to go when your child needs urgent care can help take some of the stress out of those moments. ❤️
