A Conversation with A/Prof John Adie, Urgent Care Clinic Training & Education Lead - ForHealth Group
Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are becoming an increasingly important part of Australia’s healthcare landscape, supporting patients with non-life-threatening conditions, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments, and offering new opportunities for general practitioners.
In this edition of our Inside Urgent Care series, we spoke with Associate Professor John Adie from ForHealth Group about the growth of urgent care in Australia, what working in urgent care really looks like for GPs, and the exciting developments shaping its future, including new micro-credentialling and postgraduate training pathways.
From Early Urgent Care Pioneer to National Advocate
A/Prof Adie has been involved in urgent care development for more than a decade. After training in New Zealand and gaining experience across emergency medicine and general practice, he returned to Australia to help establish one of the early integrated urgent care models on the Sunshine Coast.
What began as a struggling “super clinic” evolved into a successful urgent care service within 18 months, demonstrating how integrating urgent care into general practice could improve patient access and clinical outcomes.
Since then, he has helped replicate and refine the model nationwide, contributing to research, education, and national discussions around urgent care delivery.
Today, he works as the Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) Training and Education Lead at ForHealth Group, supporting urgent care services across 56 UCCs throughout seven states and territories, while also holding an academic role focused on training and research.
ForHealth Group is the major national provider of primary care and urgent care services, with a footprint spanning every Australian state and the ACT. The organisation operates more than 100 GP clinics nationwide (including over 50 in DPA locations) and is Australia’s largest urgent care provider, currently running 56 urgent care sites and growing. With clinics across metropolitan, regional and coastal communities, including the Mornington Peninsula, Torquay, Hervey Bay and Bega, ForHealth plays a significant role in shaping how urgent care is delivered across Australia.
The Rapid Expansion of Urgent Care in Australia
In recent years, urgent care has accelerated significantly, supported by federal government investment.
More than 130 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have now been announced nationwide, many integrated within existing general practice settings. This model provides:
- Convenient access for patients with urgent but non-life-threatening conditions
- Reduced pressure on hospital emergency departments
- Improved continuity of care through GP-led services
According to interim research findings, nearly half of patients attending urgent care say they would otherwise have presented to an emergency department, highlighting the important role these clinics play within the healthcare system.
What Working in Urgent Care Really Looks Like for GPs
For many doctors, urgent care sits somewhere between traditional general practice and emergency medicine.
A/Prof Adie describes urgent care as “predominantly general practice, but without booked appointments.”
Key differences include:
- Walk-in presentations with triage systems
- Extended hours
- Access to onsite diagnostics such as imaging
- A focus on single-issue presentations (most patients present with one primary concern)
- A higher proportion of minor infections and injuries
Common presentations include:
- Minor infections 63% (around 60 noted in early studies). This includes intravenous rehydration for suitable patient presentations with gastroenteritis, migraine, or morning sickness.
- Minor Injuries 26%. This includes patient presentations for sprains, fractures, and lacerations, wound management and procedural care
For GPs, urgent care can offer flexibility and variety:
- Shift-based work with defined start and finish times
- Opportunities to maintain procedural skills
- Exposure to acute presentations without full emergency department acuity
Most clinicians combine urgent care with traditional general practice sessions, creating a blended career model, whilst some clinicians opt to work exclusively in an Urgent Care setting.
Upskilling for Urgent Care: Micro-Credentialling and a Graduate Certificate
One of the most significant developments discussed was the upcoming launch of a micro-credentialling program and Graduate Certificate in Urgent Care, developed through a collaboration between ForHealth Group and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
While fellowship qualifications already allow GPs to work in urgent care, the program aims to support clinicians looking to build confidence in specific skill areas.
Key training areas include:
- ECG interpretation
- Fracture management and plastering
- Wound care and suturing
- Intravenous therapies
- Acute clinical decision-making and risk management
The course combines online learning with hands-on training workshops planned across Australian states and territories, making it accessible nationally.
There is also growing international interest, reflecting urgent care’s expanding role globally.
How Australia’s Urgent Care Model Differs from Overseas
Urgent care exists worldwide, but the Australian model has distinct characteristics.
- Australia: Integrated within general practice settings, supporting continuity of care.
- UK: Often embedded within hospital emergency departments where patients are triaged to urgent care or emergency care.
- Ireland and US: Frequently in malls, strip malls, or freestanding. Often owned by hospitals or insurance companies.
This integration into primary care is considered one of Australia’s strengths, allowing urgent care to complement rather than compete with general practice.
Benefits Across the Healthcare System
Urgent care provides value across multiple levels:
For Patients
- Faster access for non-life-threatening issues
- Care closer to home
- Reduced exposure to hospital environments
For GPs and Practices
- New career flexibility and clinical variety
- Additional service streams within existing clinics
- Opportunities to maintain procedural skills
For the Healthcare System
- Lower cost compared to emergency department presentations
- Reduced hospital crowding
- Improved patient flow across services
The Future of Urgent Care in Australia
Looking ahead, A/Prof Adie sees continued growth and refinement in the sector.
Areas likely to evolve include:
- Development of national standards for urgent care
- Structured education and credentialling pathways
- Expansion into regional and semi-rural communities experiencing GP shortages
- Increased research into priority populations and integrated care models
As urgent care continues to mature, collaboration between general practice, academia, and healthcare organisations will be key.
Considering a Career in Urgent Care?
Urgent care offers a unique opportunity for GPs to broaden their clinical scope while maintaining the core principles of general practice.
For clinicians curious about how urgent care may fit into their career pathway, emerging training programs and expanding services across Australia are opening new doors.
Explore Urgent Care opportunities here.
Or contact the DXC Medical team to discuss your options.
