An experimental health service, aimed at keeping care local and easing loads on emergency departments, has seen positive results.

Kyabram District Health Service’s after-hours primary care clinic will extend its stay in Kyabram an extra 12 months following a successful three-month trial period.

The bulk-billed service will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm to help patients with non-urgent health concerns receive the care they need.

“We’ve had amazing support from the community for the clinic, and the incredible dedication of doctors, nurses and staff has contributed to this much needed service becoming a reality for the next 12 months,” KDHS chief executive Anne McEvoy said announcing the service extension.

KDHS partnered with Murray Primary Health Network for the trial, which began in April, to address Campaspe Shire resident’s limited access to urgent after-hours primary health care services.

Before the trial, Murray PHN found there was a “high level” of patients presenting to Kyabram Urgent Care Centre that were found to be semi-urgent or non-urgent.

Up until June 17, a total of 383 patients had used the after-hours service, with 83 per cent of those being from a Kyabram postcode area.

From data collected during the trial period, patients commonly presented with tonsillitis, coughs and chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections.

Project lead Cherie Hunter said those patients with those typical non-urgent symptoms were able to receive the care they needed without impacting urgent care centres — which was one of the aims of the service.

“The community has been awesome, and it is imperative that the service continues to be supported so that we can ensure sustainability beyond the 12 months, we thank the community for the support so far and urge them to spread the word that this service is available of a weekend,” Ms Hunter said.

Walk-ins are accepted if there is capacity, but there may be a wait time or redirection to alternative options, so bookings are preferred.

For more information, visit www.kyhealth.org.au

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