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Hawkesbury residents are being reminded that an urgent care service has been operating in North Richmond since 2024, as demand surges at the recently opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Windsor.
The reminder comes as local health services experience increased patient numbers, prompting calls for the community to make full use of all available options for urgent but non life-threatening care.
The North Richmond Urgent Care Service, funded by NSW Health, provides treatment for conditions that require prompt attention but do not warrant a visit to a hospital emergency department.
The service was originally established following extensive consultation with the local community, with its location selected in part due to the Hawkesbury’s history of flooding. During past events, residents were often unable to access timely medical care, highlighting the need for a more resilient and accessible healthcare option in North Richmond.
Open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm, the clinic is staffed by general practitioners and nurses, with diagnostic services such as radiology and pathology available nearby.
Health officials say the service continues to play a critical role, particularly during weekends and after hours when access to a regular GP can be limited.
However, unlike the federally funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinics including the new Windsor clinic, the North Richmond service is not a walk-in facility.
Patients are required to first call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, where a registered nurse will assess their condition and direct them to the most appropriate care. This may include an appointment at the North Richmond clinic, a telehealth consultation through services such as virtualGP or virtualKIDS, or escalation to emergency services such as NSW Ambulance if required.
Patients referred to the North Richmond service will receive bulk-billed care.
While the opening of the Windsor Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has provided an additional walk-in option for residents, health authorities are encouraging the community to also consider the established North Richmond service to help ease pressure on the newer facility.
Residents are also reminded that their regular GP should remain their first point of contact whenever possible, with urgent care services designed to complement, not replace, ongoing primary healthcare.
