GP Access After Hours provides comprehensive after hours primary medical care for patients of the Hunter Urban Region. The service is a national leader in after hours medical care and is strongly supported by our community.

Established in Maitland in 1999, and then expanded across the region in 2003, the service is truly groundbreaking with its innovative funding arrangements and integration systems with the Hunter New England Area Health Service.

Since its inception, the service has established a workforce of over 240 GPs, a remarkable achievement in an area of significant workforce shortage. The telephone advice line has assisted more than 400,000 patients to access the care they need, and over 300,000 patients have been seen in the GP clinics. The service manages an estimated 10,000 patients per year who would otherwise been seen in emergency departments.

GP Access After Hours is a unique service that works closely with and is funded by Hunter New England Area Health Service and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging. The service incorporates the following elements:

Patients access an after-hours Telephone Triage and Advice Service on 1300 130 147. Trained registered nurses provide advice to patients regarding the most appropriate service for their problem.

There are five clinics operating in Hunter New England Area Health Service facilities. Each clinic is staffed by a GP and a registered nurse with clerical support. The clinics operate on an appointment only system and you should call our advice line on 1300 130 147 where a Registered Nurse will make an appointment if considered clinically appropriate. The clinics are located at:

For patients who don’t have transport to attend a clinic or emergency department.

For patients who need assessment or care in the home.

Advice Line contact number 1300 130 147

GP Access gratefully acknowlegdes the support of the Commonwelath Department of Health and Aging, Hunter New England Health Service and the many local GPs who support the After Hours service.