Torquay is getting a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (MUCC), with the health facility due to open by the end of the year.
The federal government announced on August 22 that the tender process had started to identify providers to operate the new clinic, which will be led by Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN).
WVPHN acting chief executive Nigel Jarvis said MUCCs increased access to affordable and high-quality primary care for all Australians and that he expected the Torquay facility to be operational in December.
Mr Jarvis also said the tender process would be open until noon on September 9, with the successful service provider announced in October.
“In May 2025, the federal government announced an expansion of the MUCC program by an extra 50 MUCCs across the country,” he said.
“This included an additional site within the WVPHN catchment in the suburb of Torquay to service the growing population of the Surf Coast and surrounding communities.
“MUCCs are staffed by a team of vocationally registered general practitioners and nurses, and patients will be triaged on arrival to determine their suitability for the service.
“MUCCs treat patients with urgent but not life-threatening conditions like lacerations or cuts requiring stitches, basic fractures, minor burns, rashes, ear, nose and throat infections, other minor infections, and gastroenteritis.
“Patients requiring non-urgent regular medical care will be redirected to their regular GP for ongoing management… while those experiencing an emergency or life-threatening condition should still attend an emergency department.”
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the clinic would be open seven days a week with extended hours and be fully bulk billed.
“The tender process for the Torquay MUCC is an important step towards delivering better health care on the Surf Coast,” she said.
“This clinic will mean families in Torquay, Armstrong Creek and across the Surf Coast can access urgent medical care, close to home, without the stress of going to the emergency department.
“Urgent care clinics are much-loved services, and we know the Belmont Urgent Care Clinic continues to be a resounding success, and I’m so excited to see that model replicated in Torquay.”
