Millicent Spencer
An additional 12 Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) are set to open by early February giving Victorians a free alternative to visiting a busy emergency department.
On Monday, January 3 Premier Daniel Andrews and acting health minister Colin Brooks announced the additional PPCCs will be accessible to all Victorians including those in Hume who can access the service at Northern Health in Craigieburn.
Mr Andrews said the PPCCs will assist the community in accessing affordable healthcare services.
“Far too many Victorians can’t get in to see a GP at all, let alone one who bulk bills,” he said.
“It is a basic right that if you’re sick, you should be able get care at no cost – so we’re doing something about that.
“Our primary care system is broken, and National Cabinet must make reforming the system its priority for 2023– so every Australian has easy access to the affordable healthcare they deserve.”
A Northern Health spokesperson said the new PPCC at Northern Health in Craigieburn will be operated by GPs not hospital staff.
“Northern Health welcomes the opening of the new Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) in Craigieburn and we look forward to collaborating with this service to effectively meet the healthcare needs of our community,” the spokesperson said.
“Along with the Northern Health operated Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and the recently opened PPCC in Epping, the new PPCC in Craigieburn will relieve some of the pressure on our Emergency Department.”
Nine PPCCs have opened recently in Ballarat, Dandenong, Epping, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Moonee Ponds, Narre Warren, Prahran, and Sunshine.
Early data collected by the Victorian government has shown that the PPCCs have helped to reduce pressure on nearby emergency departments with patients’ feedback overwhelmingly positive, due to much shorter wait times.
Mr Brooks said the centres are delivering by providing care for Victorians while driving down emergency admissions.
“Our Priority Primary Care Centres are giving Victorians the care they need – so fewer people end up in an emergency department because it’s the only free healthcare available to them,” he said.
“PPCCs are helping reduce waiting times in our EDs, while giving Victorians another option for non-emergency care – ultimately taking pressure off our hardworking doctors and nurses.”
The centres accept bookings and walk-ins, with doctors and nurses on site to treat a range of conditions like mild infections, fractures and burns, in addition to diagnostic services including pathology and medical imaging.
Many of the clinics are operating seven days a week and up to 16 hours a day, including over the summer break, providing an alternative for patients who might not be able to see their regular GP.
Work is also underway to finalise the locations and timing of an additional three centres in Bendigo, Mildura, and Sunbury.
