Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced the opening of a new urgent care service in Quakers Hill.​

It is designed to provide non-emergency healthcare and eliminate unnecessary trips to hospital emergency departments (EDs).

NSW health minister Ryan Park said: “Families in North-Western Sydney now have more pathways to access timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the emergency department.

“This new service at Quakers Hill will improve access to care, reduce wait times and take pressure off Western Sydney’s hospitals.”

Staffed by general practitioners and nurses, the Quakers Hill Urgent Care Service is equipped with essential diagnostic facilities such as radiology and pathology.

It is capable of treating a variety of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor wounds, suspected fractures, and skin infections.

Patients will first be assessed by a registered nurse to determine the most appropriate care pathway, which could encompass an on-site appointment, a telehealth session with the virtualKIDS or virtualGP services, or referral to other services such as the NSW Ambulance if necessary.

The service is a collaborative effort with the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

It represents part of the Minns Labor Government's initiative to enhance care accessibility and reduce waiting times through the emergency department relief package.

This package includes an investment of A$100m ($63.94m) to fund urgent care services for an additional two years.

Once fully implemented, it is expected to provide alternative care options for approximately 114,000 patients.

Western Sydney Primary Health Network (PHN) spokesperson Andrew Newton said: “This newest urgent care service in Quakers Hill complements two which are already operating in Auburn and Castle Hill in partnership with Western Sydney PHN.

“Importantly, these services give residents of western Sydney a genuine alternative outside of a busy ED for urgent, but not life-threatening, illnesses and injuries.”

This announcement follows the NSW government's recent unveiling of updated designs for the A$263.8m redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.