UCC visits reach two million

More than two million visits to urgent care clinics (UCCs) have now been recorded across Australia, as the initiative’s popularity continues to rise among patients.
 
New data from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) shows the average number of clinic visits has risen to almost 26,000 per week.
 
There are now 90 UCCs open across Australia, with another 47 to open by mid-2026.
 
According to the DoHDA, almost 30% of UCC visits have been on weekends and one quarter of patients have attended after 5pm on weekdays.
 
However, the clinics remain a controversial addition to the healthcare landscape, with an early evaluation of their operation finding UCCs are five times more expensive than a standard GP consult.
 
A newsGP poll asking whether the rollout of an extra 50 UCCs will place ‘additional strain or negatively impact the already limited GP workforce’ saw 79% of respondents vote ‘yes’, with only 12% disagreeing.
 
In response to the new data, Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the clinics have ‘changed the face of healthcare in Australia’.

‘The clinics have been a game changer for communities around the country,’ he said.

‘They are taking the pressure off hospitals and delivering fully bulk-billed urgent care with no appointment needed.’
 
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Department of Health Disability and Ageing Mark Butler UCC UCC visits' urgent care clinic