Clarence Health Access

Clarence Health Access is a local program that aims to make it easier for people in the Clarence Valley to get health care close to home. The program will work with local health services to make care easier to find and use.

This includes:
• helping local GP practices offer more appointments
• improving how services work together
• adding local support roles to help people find the right care.
• reduce unnecessary trips to hospital emergency departments.

The program has $2.3 million in funding from July 2026 to June 2027. This funding will help local services work better together. It will help people find care more easily and support new local roles.

Some parts of the program may change after June 2027. The aim is to keep what works well. Local clinicians, community members and Aboriginal health partners will continue to shape this work.

Getting the right care at the right time

Getting care early helps you stay well. When you know where to go, it is easier to get support when you first need it.

Your GP, pharmacist or other local health services can help with many health needs. This can save you a trip to hospital. Keeping the emergency department free for people who need it most.

The program aims to give you:

• clear information about local services
• support to find the right care
• more appointment options as they become available.

Over time, this should help people in the Clarence Valley get support earlier. Meaning fewer trips to hospital for health needs that can be safely and more effectively managed in the community.

To learn more view the Clarence Health Access frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Making care easier to find and use

Clarence Health Access will support local health services work better together. Including general practices, Aboriginal health services, pharmacies, allied health providers and hospitals. This means people may have more options for care.

The program will include:

• GP Liaison Officers who will work with local practices, Aboriginal health services and pharmacies
• a Community Connector who will help people learn what services are available and how to use them
• information in places people already visit, including community centres
• more support for people who need follow-up care or help managing ongoing health conditions
• better links with pharmacies, nurses and allied health services
• same-day, walk-in or extended-hours appointments at some participating practices, where available.

The program will focus on Grafton and Maclean, and will also reach nearby communities including Yamba, Iluka and surrounding areas. This is important for people who have difficulty travelling for care.

What this means for you

Clarence Health Access is about making local care easier to find and use. It aims to give people clearer information and better support closer to home.

More information will be shared as services become available.