Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has launched a petition calling for extended operating hours and an increased level of care at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

Mrs Phillips is encouraging Eurobodalla residents to sign the petition on her website which calls on the state and federal governments to upgrade the clinic that has provided walk-in care seven days a week since December 2023.

“The Batemans Bay community has embraced the fully bulk-billed service at the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, but there is a definite need for an expansion of the service,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Around 7,500 patients have received treatment for urgent, not life-threatening care at the clinic since it opened almost one year ago, which has taken some pressure off local GPs and our local hospital.

“I have been lobbying for extended hours and a higher level of care, but I’ve decided to take the next step by launching a petition to give the public a chance to have their say as well.”

Mrs Phillips said the clinic currently operates seven days a week from 8am until 6pm.

“It would be great to see those hours extended closer to 24/7,” she said.

“Once the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital opens at Moruya, the only practical way to have a higher level service in Batemans Bay is to support an expansion of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

“If people want to see that happen, I encourage them to sign my petition HERE.”

Mrs Phillips said the Albanese Labor Government was making it easier for people in the Eurobodalla to access medical care when they need it.

“If Peter Dutton had his way, he’d close Medicare Urgent Care Clinics – like the one at Batemans Bay – as part of his $315 billion cuts in spending,” she said.

“Last time he was Health Minister he cut $50 billion from hospitals.”

Mrs Phillips said she was also pleased to see that an Expression of Interest was going out for a radiation therapy service for the Eurobodalla.

“I have championed for this service, so it’s great to see that moving forward too,” she said.

“I’m proud to have secured the Batemans Bay Urgent Care Clinic, the South Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic and the walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centre at Moruya, and I will continue to fight for improved local health services right across the Gilmore electorate.”