A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is set to open in Bathurst on December 18, 2025, providing residents with immediate access to essential medical services. Located at 129 Howick Street, the facility occupies the site formerly held by Bathurst Bakery, which closed several years ago. Extensive renovations have transformed the premises to accommodate an X-ray room and multiple treatment bays.
The clinic operates as a walk-in facility, requiring no appointments, and offers services that are bulk-billed. Highly-trained doctors and nurses will treat a variety of conditions requiring urgent attention, such as minor injuries, viral infections, and other non-life-threatening health issues. The clinic will be open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
According to Mark Butler, Australia’s federal Health Minister, the establishment of this clinic is expected to alleviate pressure on the Bathurst Hospital’s emergency department. Data from the 2023-24 period indicates that approximately 44 percent of emergency presentations were for semi-urgent or non-urgent cases, which can be managed by Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
“The Bathurst Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is a game changer for families in the Bathurst region,” said Butler. He highlighted that this facility will allow hospital staff to focus on patients with more serious conditions. This clinic aligns with the Albanese Government’s commitment to enhance Medicare and improve healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Since the inception of Labor’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in June 2023, over 2.2 million presentations have been recorded, with more than 457,800 visits to clinics in New South Wales alone. Deborah O’Neill, Labor’s spokesperson for Calare, expressed enthusiasm over the clinic’s opening, stating, “I’m thrilled to see the Bathurst Medicare Urgent Care Clinic open and providing services for the local community. We pledged this in the 2025 election campaign and now we’re delivering on our promise.”
The clinic’s launch comes shortly after the start of a $200 million redevelopment of the Bathurst Hospital, which includes plans for an expanded emergency department. This dual approach reflects a broader strategy to enhance healthcare services in the region, ensuring that residents receive timely and appropriate medical care.
