The Gympie Nurse Led Walk In Clinic team has celebrated one year of supporting locals' health, while helping to ease pressure on the emergency department.
Over the last twelve months, the clinic has helped more than 8700 patients with non-life-threatening injuries, common illnesses and other everyday health concerns.
The team expects at least half of these patients would have otherwise presented to the busy Gympie Hospital Emergency Department.
“The clinic provides locals with access to same day primary care for minor conditions, keeping the Emergency Department free for emergencies,” Nurse Unit Manager Sarah Cochrane said.
The clinic's busiest times are typically early morning and after school hours.
Respiratory, skin and ear conditions are among the most common presentations.
The Nurse-Led Walk-In Clinic team are also able to provide support for conditions like fever, coughs and colds, sore throats, infections, rashes and minor burns, minor eye issues, strains and sprains, gastro, urinary tract infections, and emergency contraception.
“Staff at the clinic are all highly experienced nurses with a friendly caring attitude that genuinely enjoy helping people and we are proud to provide a service to our community,” Sarah said.
The Gympie Nurse-Led Walk-In Clinic is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm for adults and children over the age of two.
All services are free, even without a Medicare card.
The Nurse-Led Walk-In Clinic is a complementary service to both primary care GPs and the hospital emergency department and we encourage patients to talk to 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice about the best place to access care for their needs.
The clinic is located at 2/21 Exhibition Road, Southside, Gympie.