Inundated with patients, the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) has issued an advisory to locals informing them of longer wait times in the Urgent Care Centre (UCC).

In a statement, MDHS indicated they are experiencing high demand across all services — a result of  the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and delayed care during the holiday season.

Those with serious conditions will be given priority in the current situation, an MDHS spokesperson said.

“Our UCC is here for the assessment, triage and management of urgent presentations,” they said.

“The most seriously ill or sickest patients will always be seen first.

“Staff are working hard to reduce wait times as much as possible.

“If you come to UCC and experience a long wait time, please be patient and respectful.”

Different from an emergency department, the UCC is staffed by registered nurses who triage and assess each patient and determine if a doctor is required. Doctors cover the service in an on call arrangement, after they have finished their daily roles in their respective medical clinics.

People with non-urgent, non-life-threatening conditions who do not require emergency attention can expect long waits, the spokesperson said. 

If you don’t require urgent treatment, alternatives to attending Urgent Care include:
• Book in with your local General Practitioner (GP)
• Talk to a pharmacist: Priceline at 101 High Street, Maryborough or call 5460-5999, or Guardian Pharmacy 131 High Street, Maryborough or call 5461-1005
• Call Nurse on Call – 1300 60 60 24
• After hours contact MyEmergency Dr: Call 1800 001 141 or download the app and connect at www.myemergencydr.com/westernvictoria for more information
• The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) www.vved.org.au

For more information on what to expect at the Urgent Care Centre visit mdhs.vic.gov.au/urgent-care