For veterans and Defence families in the Greater Springfield and Ipswich region, there has been a persistent gap between primary care and the emergency department. That gap is now addressed through a new model of care.
Australian Veteran Health Services (AVHS) has partnered with SmartCare UrgentCare to provide the Defence community with direct access to an Emergency Specialist Care model, offering a private emergency department alternative without extended ED wait times, while maintaining continuity across existing care pathways.
What this partnership means in practice
AVHS provides comprehensive primary care, specialist treatment, mental health support, and DVA claims assistance to the Defence community from its Springfield Central clinic. Founded by veteran medical officers, the service is designed with an operational understanding of Defence healthcare systems.
SmartCare UrgentCare, located within the same precinct, operates under an Emergency Specialist Care model led by Fellows of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, with same day access to CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and pathology.
Together, the services deliver a coordinated shared care model. When acute issues arise between scheduled AVHS appointments, such as pain exacerbations, suspected fractures, or acute infections, patients can present directly to SmartCare for assessment and management. Clinical summaries are then communicated back to the AVHS care team to support continuity of care. No referral is required.
This model is not intended as a convenience based walk in clinic. It provides urgent care supported by hospital grade diagnostics, with defined escalation pathways where higher acuity care is indicated.
A region with defined need
The Greater Ipswich region includes more than 14,000 ex serving ADF members, with RAAF Base Amberley located within close proximity. Springfield Central is one of Australia’s fastest growing communities and has a significant and increasing veteran population. Both AVHS and SmartCare have established services in this location to meet that demand.
“SmartCare UrgentCare was developed to deliver a true urgent care model and a private emergency department alternative, led by Emergency Specialists. Our model provides immediate access to radiology and diagnostics, enabling comprehensive assessment and treatment in a single visit, with rapid access and minimal wait times close to home.The partnership with AVHS allows us to extend this model to better support defence personnel and veterans in the Springfield and Ipswich region. It ensures timely access to care, clear clinical decision making, and coordinated follow up within existing care networks, while remaining close to family support and primary care teams after hours.With our Chief Medical Officer having served as a Defence Medical Officer, we have a direct understanding of the needs of the defence community and are well positioned to deliver care that is both clinically appropriate and aligned to that experience.”
Accessing the service
SmartCare UrgentCare is open 7 days a week, 10am – 8pm, including weekends and public holidays. Veterans can walk in directly, call ahead on 1300 893 183, or be referred by their AVHS care team. Just let reception know you’re an AVHS patient so the shared care coordination kicks in.
If you’re not yet a patient of AVHS, contact the team on 1300 766 206 or email brisbane@avhs.com.au. AVHS provides comprehensive healthcare and DVA assistance for veterans at no cost.
