Australia's Tasmania Government has released tenders to invite interested companies to operate a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Bridgewater, a suburb region of Hobart.

This represents a significant step forward in the development and launch of the new Medicare UCC, which is being established with investment from the federal government.

The new clinic aims to enhance access to fully bulk-billed care in Hobart's northern suburbs.

It will complement the four current Tasmanian clinics located at Liverpool Street and Bathurst Street in Hobart, as well as in Devonport and Launceston.

These four clinics have collectively served tens of thousands of patients within their inaugural year of operation, the Tasmania government noted.

Similarly, the new Bridgewater clinic is projected to ease the burden on the Royal Hobart Hospital by offering residents of Hobart’s northern suburbs an alternative for a wide range of their urgent healthcare requirements.

According to Tasmania Health Minister Guy Barnett, the launch of the tender process is a key step in expediting the clinic's operational readiness.

Barnett said: “Urgent Care Clinics provide an important primary care option for Tasmanians who can’t wait for an appointment with their regular GP but do not require a visit to the emergency department.

“It is pleasing that a new Bridgewater clinic is one step closer to providing Tasmanians with the primary care they need, alleviating pressure on our hospitals. Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about taking more action, right now, on issues affecting Tasmanians like health.”

The new clinic is among an additional 29 urgent care centres planned to be established across Australia under the A$227m ($151m) expansion of the Medicare UCC programme unveiled in the 2024–2025 Budget. 

Australia Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said: “The Bridgewater UCC, funded by the Albanese Government, will mean more Tasmanians can access this fantastic health service to receive urgent bulk-billed care instead of waiting in hospital emergency departments.

“Tasmanians love the accessibility of current Medicare UCC with over 35,000 presentations at current clinics meaning patients have been able to receive urgent care quickly and for free.”

Last month, the Australian Government confirmed plans to open two Medicare UCCs in south-west Sydney.