Relieving Pressure on our GPs

By The Hon. Chris Minns MP

13 September 2024

I know that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see a doctor, with many people having to wait days or even weeks before they get an appointment.

All Australians should be able to access the health care they need, when they need it.

Which is why we are currently working to expand the number of conditions that can be treated at the local pharmacy.

In the next few years, this could include middle and outer ear infections, mild to moderate acne, minor wound management, acute nausea and vomiting, GORD, and mild musculoskeletal pain.

By allowing pharmacists to care for more conditions, we can relieve the pressure on our GPs and reduce wait times in our hospitals.

I know how stressful it can be to try and get care when you need it. Health worries are difficult enough without adding extra pressure.

As part of our plan to relieve pressure on our emergency departments, Labor is also building more Urgent Care Services across NSW.

Urgent Care Services are free medical clinics that treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are serious, but not life-threatening.

A free Urgent Care Service has already opened its doors in Carlton, and is open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.

This means you’ll be able to access quality healthcare faster – without having to wait in an emergency department.

Under the former Liberal Government, our health system was really struggling.

We had critical shortages of nurses, massive blowouts in surgery wait times, and people unable to access treatment when they needed it.

Labor is working every day to solve these problems and get our health system back on track.