Emma Comer (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am proud to speak on a major new development for our community, the opening of the Medicare urgent care clinic in Deception Bay. Located on Bailey Road, this clinic is a game-changing addition to our local health care. It's open seven days a week, and, crucially, it offers fully bulk-billed walk-in care. Locals don't need to make an appointment or worry about out-of-pocket costs when they need help. For too long, the community has had to travel to hospital emergency departments for issues that don't require emergency care. From sprains to minor injuries, infections and illnesses that need prompt attention, this new clinic helps ease the pressure off busy local hospitals, freeing up emergency departments to focus on the more serious cases.

My wonderful team of local volunteers and I have been out to let the community know that the clinic is open. I spoke with Jan from Deception Bay, who recently had a fall that required stitches. Her GP doesn't do emergencies, and her local hospital's wait times are too long. Jan went to the new Deception Bay urgent care clinic where she had a minimal wait time and comprehensive care. Importantly, she didn't pay a cent. For too long, Deception Bay residents have been overlooked and undervalued and have missed out on the health services they need. Not any more. This community deserves better, and this new urgent care clinic is an important first step. It's a win for Deception Bay. It's a win for affordable and accessible health care. It's a win for Petrie.

See this speech in context