Currently, Ballarat clinics close their doors at 10pm or earlier.

28 Drummond North Medical Practice has applied to the City of Ballarat for a permit to extend its opening hours, after being approached by a government body on the issue.

The centre, located opposite the Ballarat Health Services emergency department, is putting together a business plan and intends to approach both state and federal bodies to utilise its practice for the after hours care of the whole Ballarat district.

In his application to the council, owner John Murray said the practice had been approached by a government body to put together a business plan that would enable them to operate 24-hours per day, seven days per week.

He said the plan was referred to as a “Safe Place to Practice” for doctors in the Ballarat district so they were not forced to visit patients in their homes, exposing them to some risk at night.

“It is ideal for this medical practice to be located very close to the hospital emergency department, yet a separate private entity which can work with local practitioners without them having to open 

their own medical practices.”

He said the practice did not expect to open these hours immediately.

Grampians Medicare Local chief executive officer Andrew McPherson said all accredited practices already had arrangements for their patients around after-hours care.

But he confirmed there was no door-open, 24 hour service operating. “It might service patients who don’t have a usual GP,” he said.

The permit application by 28 Drummond North Medical Practice is currently on public exhibition, as part of the council’s planning process.

rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au