Priority Primary Care Centre to ease burden on GV Health Emergency Department

Feb 16, 2023

**Pressure release:** The opening of a Priority Primary Care Centre in Shepparton is expected to reduce pressure on the GV Health Emergency Department. Photo by Holly Curtis

Residents in Greater Shepparton are now able to access a newly opened and free Priority Primary Care Centre for urgent but non-life-threatening medical conditions.

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The Priority Primary Care Centre, which is located at the Shepparton Medical Centre in Graham St opposite Goulburn Valley Health, aims to provide care for patients who have been assessed as needing immediate and urgent medical care for things such as mild infections, fractures and burns.

“The idea of this Victorian Government-commissioned centre is to take pressure off our emergency departments where a patient’s medical condition can be treated by a team of GPs and nurses in a purpose-designed environment,” Shepparton practice manager Tracey Botterill said.

Only recently opened, the centre is already receiving patients, with demand expected to increase as opening hours and days extend during March.

Patients arriving at the PPCC will be triaged to determine their suitability for the service, and if the care they require is assessed as non-urgent they will be redirected to their regular GP.

Patients who are experiencing an emergency or life-threatening condition should not go to the PPCC, but instead call an ambulance or, if able, go directly to the GV Health Emergency Department.

The service is expected to provide relief to patients and health professionals alike, by reducing pressure on the Emergency Department at GV Health and treating appropriate patients in a timely, efficient and cost-effective way.

The service is provided free of charge, even to those without a Medicare card.

Bookings can be made by calling 03 5823 3132 or online at http://shepmed.mthc.com.au/ppcc