An urgent care center aimed at easing the pressure on the Launceston General Hospital's emergency department will now be open on weekends.
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The service had been running out of the Newstead Medical Centre Monday to Friday, but state government funding will allow those hours to be extended.
The pilot program will run for 12 months as part of a $3 million state government initiative.
Eligible concession cardholders will also benefit from the trial with Premier Peter Gutwein confirming on Tuesday the initiative would provide full coverage for out-of-pocket costs for patients who present at the clinic.
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Mr Gutwein said with an ageing and growing population the state had experienced a rise in the demand for healthcare and the trial was being conducted "with a view to having more urgent care centres around the state".
"Importantly, the Launceston urgent care centre now provides another option for those people living here in Launceston and in Northern Tasmania to receive that care," he said.
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A review will be conducted following the 12-month trial to ascertain the benefits of the program, while expressions of interest were being sought from GPs and pharmacies willing to provide additional after-hours services.
Dr Toby Gardner said having a purpose-built facility with extended consultation hours would benefit the emergency department at LGH - and the community.
He said the level of support from the community had been unexpected.
"It's been great. We've been really overwhelmed by the support we've received from people coming in from all parts of Launceston," he said.
"Working last night and every single person I saw was not patient at the existing patient care practice."
The centre is open from 8am until 8pm.
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