After hours

Brisbane South PHN supports improved access to primary healthcare during the after-hours period by focusing on:

• developing local responses to address after hours primary health care needs of local communities

• supporting the after hours primary health care workforce

• promoting service coordination

• supporting after hours service providers to integrate care with a patient’s usual primary care provider

• addressing service gaps

• reducing emergency department presentations.

Find Care Fast – Service Navigation Website

To improve access to healthcare services, Brisbane South PHN and Brisbane North PHN developed a consumer-based website called Find Care Fast. Find Care Fast supports those living in the Greater Brisbane area to find the right care, at the right place, at the right time if they are unsure of the care options available. 

Open Hospitals Queensland Health

Live hospital and minor injury and illness clinic wait times are able to be viewed at https://openhospitals.health.qld.gov.au/

What is After Hours Care and why effective care is important? 

After Hours Care refers to healthcare provided outside standard operating hours: weekdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am, weekends from 12:00 pm Saturday to 8:00 am Monday, and all day on public holidays, as defined by the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Effective after-hours care enhances patient access, reduces strain on emergency departments by diverting non-urgent cases, boosts patient satisfaction through a commitment to patient-centred care, and helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major health crises. With proper planning and delivery, general practices can remain responsive, efficient, and focused on patient needs.  

General Practice After Hours and Accreditation 
As a part of accreditation, it is a requirement that a general practice must have a formal agreement in place of how after hours care will be managed for patients outside of general practice hours.   More information in regard to after hours accreditation requirements can be found through RACGP website.

General practices may be entitled to claim MBS rebates designed specifically for delivering after hours care.  After hours billing codes and associated rebates can be accessed through MBS online.  

Accredited practices are also entitled to register for and claim after hours Practice Incentive Payments (PIP).  PIP payments are designed to encourage general practice to provide care in the after hours period, reduce emergency department presentations and support continuity of care. Further information about PIP or how to register for PIP can be found HERE.

After Hours Services Overview - Brisbane South Region 

Listed below is an overview of the current after hours services available within the Brisbane South PHN region.