East Care Blog

Wait times for Urgent Care always surge during the festive season. Already, East Care Urgent Care is experiencing long wait times.  So, over the Christmas and New Year period, when GP clinics are closed, we want to ensure you get the right care.

Holiday Surcharge will apply from 25th December to 8th January 2023

We anticipate extra high demand and the costs of delivering health care over the holiday period will increase. So, East Care has implemented an $18 surcharge from 25th December to 8th January. This will be on top of our normal fees.

However, this surcharge will be waived for children under 14 years of age, and any patients with a Community Services Card. Moreover, for anyone needing urgent care, this will also help relieve wait times as non-urgent care cases will be encouraged to use alternative services.

How we will assess you for Urgent Care (and help you be seen as swiftly as possible)

Naturally, we’re still open for URGENT Medical and Accident care –  7 am to 11 pm, 7 days at 260 Botany Road.

Remember, if you have a medical emergency, call 111 for an ambulance.

To make things as smooth as possible:

1. Our team will triage you on arrival to assess how we can help
2. Note we might ask you to return the next day if your treatment can be delayed
3. Also, if we can’t see you in a timely way or your needs can be met elsewhere we’ll re-direct you. Namely, this might be to another clinic or hospital, or online.

Need non-urgent medical advice? (Not for a medical emergency or accident?)

• The pharmacy can provide advice and treatment for common minor illnesses
• If you need prescriptions or medical advice, virtual doctor video consults are available through the Practice Plus online service. Yes, they’re available in the evenings and at weekends.

Hopefully, these steps will help reduce wait times for Urgent Care. From the East Care team, we’re wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season.