Forster Private Hospital (formerly known as the Cape Hawke Community Private Hospital) executive officer Karon Devenish said up to eight patients a night are now using the service.

“It’s slowly building up as more and more people get to know about it,” she said.

The hospital operates the service from its day surgery unit at 27 Breckenridge St.

The clinic does not provide emergency care, but rather an extension of existing GP services. It is for people who are unable to see their usual GP, have a condition which cannot wait until the next business day, or are visitors to the area.

It operates Monday to Friday from 6pm to 9pm and weekday public holidays from 2pm to 5pm. Appointments can be made by contacting the service from 5pm on the day or by visiting reception.

Local GPs and registered nurses work there on a rotating basis and a receptionist and security guard are also employed to support the clinical staff.

The service started in November last year and was well-used over the busy Christmas/New Year period.

People requiring routine or non-urgent care should see their usual GP during normal hours and, most importantly, the service is not an emergency department and for all medical emergencies call 000.

Any enquiries regarding the service can be made directly to Forster Private Hospital on 6555 1333.

Appointments to see a doctor in the after hours service can be made after 5pm Monday to Friday on 6555 1555 or by dropping into the clinic between 6pm and 9pm.