Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today, I would like to address a need in my community of Yanchep in the federal seat of Pearce, and that is the establishment of a Medicare urgent care clinic. As our population is expected to double by 2030, the demand for accessible health care services is becoming increasingly urgent. Currently, Yanchep residents face long travel times to access essential medical services. The nearest facilities often require a lengthy journey, which can be particularly challenging for families with young children or elderly members. An urgent care clinic would provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions without the need for an appointment. This means that, when a child has a fever or an adult has anything from a minor injury to something a bit more serious, they can receive timely treatment close to home.

Accessing health care quickly is a fundamental right that we should ensure for all community members, and the Albanese Labor government is fully aware of this and committed to addressing it. As a breast cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the importance of accessible health care. My journey through cancer treatment has made me acutely aware of the challenges patients face when seeking timely medical attention. This experience has driven my commitment to improve healthcare accessibility in our local communities.

Living in the northern suburbs of Perth and having to travel the long distance daily to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth for my cancer treatment, I identified the need for local treatment options and played an intrinsic part in establishing Shenton House in Joondalup with Sue Dash, a local resident, business owner and fellow cancer survivor, as well as our oncologist, Dr Nigel Spry. This centre now provides vital imaging and oncology services in support of patients in the northern suburbs and has become a local beacon of hope for many.

Establishing an urgent care clinic will work in parallel with the need for a hospital in Yanchep. It is an essential first step. This clinic would serve as a critical bridge in our healthcare system, addressing immediate medical needs while planning for a future hospital. By providing urgent care services now, we can alleviate the pressure on existing healthcare facilities—bearing in mind the time it would take to construct a hospital. I also worked diligently with Professor Cobie Rudd from the Edith Cowan University as we identified the important need for additional local medical facilities. The ECU Health Centre in Yanchep East was established and opened in August last year. I look forward to turning the sod for the next stage next week on 20 February 2025.

We must also consider the financial implications of healthcare access. Many families face unexpected medical expenses that strain their budget. The Medicare urgent care clinics bulk-bill, making them a more affordable option for many residents. In addition to convenience and cost-effectiveness, Medicare urgent care clinics provide a broad range of services. They can manage everything from sprains and fractures to infections and asthma attacks. Many clinics are equipped with onsite laboratories and pharmacies, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care in one location. This is the kind of service and efficiency we need in Yanchep.

I was very pleased to successfully advocate for the Medicare urgent care clinic in Clarkson, which has clearly demonstrated that urgent care clinics alleviate pressure on our hospital emergency departments. That was done shortly after I was elected to this position in 2022. By offering an alternative for non-emergency situations, we can ensure that our emergency rooms remain available for those who truly require critical care.

In conclusion, establishing a Medicare urgent clinic in Yanchep is not merely a convenience; it is a necessity for our growing community. It promises accessible, cost-effective health care whilst alleviating pressure on existing facilities and enhancing public health outcomes. By investing in this initiative now, we are taking the crucial first step towards building a future where every resident has access to quality health care when they need it the most, whilst also paving the way for the provision of a hospital in Yanchep that will clearly serve our community's long-term needs in what is one of the largest and fastest growing areas in Australia.

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