RACGP Raises Patient Safety Concerns Over Rapid UCC Expansion
02 Sep 2026
The rapid expansion of urgent care clinics (UCCs) across Australia has prompted concerns from the RACGP about whether the program has been supported by strong enough governance and planning.
The college says political pressure to establish UCCs quickly has not always been matched by appropriate governance arrangements. It warns this could create risks for patient safety and add pressure to the healthcare workforce.
The concerns are outlined in the RACGP’s submission to the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) performance audit into the awarding of funding for Medicare UCCs.
The RACGP has also repeated its view that many services offered through UCCs could be provided by local general practices if they received suitable funding and support.
The college says UCCs should complement general practice rather than compete with it.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said UCCs have a role in the health system, but their integration with other services and their long-term value need to be assessed.
The ANAO audit will examine whether the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing appropriately established the UCC program and effectively managed funding agreements with Primary Health Networks, states and territories.
It will also review how funding arrangements for UCCs have been implemented across Australia.
Newly released documents have also shown that the Federal Government has said it needs to address criticism of the clinics.
The RACGP says gaps in the establishment of UCCs could contribute to fragmented care and make it harder for clinics to work effectively with existing primary care services.
There are now 137 UCCs operating across Australia.
The college is calling for greater transparency in future funding arrangements, with a stronger focus on integrating services and supporting continuity of care.
The RACGP also questions whether funding agreements between the Commonwealth, states and territories have adequately addressed longstanding challenges in coordinating different parts of the health system.
The college says future agreements should have clearer shared responsibility for patient outcomes and better coordination between primary care, community services and hospitals.
Concerns about UCC integration have also appeared in interim evaluations of the program. These reports have identified a reduction in continuity of care through direct handover to patients’ usual GPs.
The RACGP recommends that the ANAO review whether UCC locations were selected based on locally identified healthcare needs.
It also wants flexible funding for rural and remote communities that do not have access to UCCs, along with care that is responsive and culturally safe.
The college says lessons from the current program should be used to strengthen future healthcare programs and any further expansion of UCCs.
The RACGP is also working with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to develop nationally consistent, profession-led standards for UCCs.
The proposed standards aim to address the current lack of minimum requirements and help ensure UCCs work alongside local health services and support, rather than compete with, general practice.
The ANAO is expected to release the findings of its audit in March 2027.
RACGP Raises Patient Safety Concerns Over Rapid UCC Expansion
Source: RACGP