New Standards Aim for Consistent High-Quality Care
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) will establish profession-led standards for urgent care clinics throughout Australia. This initiative aims to ensure consistent, high-quality care nationwide.
Following the Federal Government’s decision to make Medicare-funded urgent care clinics permanent alongside privately operated and state-funded facilities, Dr. Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, emphasised the importance of a unified framework. He said, “Developing profession-led standards for urgent care clinics will build patient trust and ensure consistency of care.”
Importance of Integrated Healthcare
The RACGP plans to support continuous, coordinated care through these standards. This is crucial for handover processes between urgent care clinics and regular GPs, preventing fragmentation of patient care. Dr. Wright stated, “Urgent care must be well connected to general practice. Patients deserve a seamless experience where urgent issues are effectively managed without compromising ongoing care.”
Equitable access to urgent care depends on flexible funding arrangements, especially in rural and remote communities without Medicare urgent care clinics. Dr. Wright noted, “GPs are highly trained to deliver urgent care, and their role within multidisciplinary teams will be central to the sustainability and success of the urgent care system. We need funding models that support care wherever Australians need it.”
Consultation and engagement with key stakeholders, including clinicians, governments, operators, and consumers, will take place before any draft standards are released. Dr. Wright confirmed, “We have important consultation and engagement work to do with external stakeholders first. This is a significant piece of work, and we want to get it right.”
For over 30 years, the RACGP has set standards in general practice. It is well-placed to lead this initiative, ensuring urgent care clinics complement patients’ usual care, reduce pressure on emergency departments, and deliver safe, accessible services across Australia. The development of these standards will enhance patient care and coordination, fortifying the healthcare system’s integration. The RACGP’s efforts aim to provide all Australians with high-quality urgent care, regardless of their location.
Last updated: 6 May 2026, 3:04 pm
