A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has opened in Bathurst, offering residents a vital resource for urgent medical needs. Officially inaugurated on December 18, 2025, the clinic is situated at 129 Howick Street, in the location previously occupied by Bathurst Bakery. The facility underwent extensive renovations to create a modern healthcare environment, including an X-ray room and multiple treatment bays.
The clinic operates as a walk-in service, eliminating the need for appointments and ensuring that all services are bulk-billed. It is staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses equipped to handle a range of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. These include minor injuries like cuts and sprains, as well as viral infections. The clinic’s hours are 10:00 to 20:00 daily, providing accessible care for the community.
According to Mark Butler, Australia’s federal Minister for Health, the clinic aims to reduce the pressure on the Bathurst Hospital emergency department. Data from the 2023-24 period indicates that approximately 44 percent of emergency department visits were for conditions that could be managed at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
“The Bathurst Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is a game changer for families in the Bathurst region,” Mr. Butler stated. He emphasized that the clinic will relieve some of the burdens on the Bathurst Base Hospital, allowing healthcare staff to concentrate on more critical cases. This initiative is part of the Albanese Government’s broader commitment to enhancing Medicare and making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Australians.
The establishment of this clinic is a significant step for the community, fulfilling a promise made during the 2025 election campaign. Deborah O’Neill, Labor’s spokesperson for Calare, expressed her enthusiasm for the new facility. “I’m thrilled to see the Bathurst Medicare Urgent Care Clinic open and providing services for the local community,” she said, highlighting the government’s commitment to delivering healthcare solutions.
The launch of the urgent care clinic coincides with ongoing developments at the Bathurst Hospital, which is undergoing a $200 million redevelopment. This redevelopment includes an expansion of the emergency department, further enhancing the area’s healthcare capabilities.
Since the inception of Labor’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in June 2023, these facilities have recorded over 2.2 million presentations, with more than 457,800 visits to clinics in New South Wales alone. The Bathurst clinic represents a significant addition to this network, aimed at improving access to urgent care for residents and easing the overall healthcare demand in the region.
