Bass Coast Health (BCH) staff treated over 3500 patients over the peak summer break, between December 22 and January 19.

The Urgent Care Centre (UCC) in Cowes saw 1567 patients, just 285 less than presented at the Emergency Department (ED) in Wonthaggi.

A surge of patients seeking emergency care kept Bass Coast Health (BCH) staff busy over the Christmas and January holiday period.

Both centres are open 24/7.

BCH said among the top reasons for presentation at the ED were open wounds and bites, chest pain, abdominal pain, infections, back pain and gastroenteritis.

At the UCC, viral infections, abdominal pain, removing surgical dressings and sutures, cough, leg cellulitis and chest pain were the major causes of people seeking help.

BCH Interim CEO Simone Alexander said the health service usually experienced an increase in demand over this holiday period as more people visit Bass Coast, in addition to the growing permanent population.

"We are well equipped to care for patients and are able to provide an extensive range of treatment for a variety of conditions," she said.

The ED is two-years-old, has many treatment spaces and a Short Stay Unit for patients requiring extended care. A Fast-Track unit enables patients with less complex conditions to be seen as soon as possible.

The current UCC is well equipped by contemporary standards, BCH said, but by next summer, a new Urgent Care Centre will be in operation, within the new Phillip Island Community Hospital.

Ms Alexander said when needed, patients with more serious and complex injuries would be transferred to other hospitals for more advanced treatment..

"People presenting to ED and the UCC are asked to please be patient as there may be a delay if they have a non-urgent condition. Our staff help the sickest patients first and that includes patients who are brought to our health service by ambulance and are not visible to patients in waiting areas."

The Urgent Care Centre is at the Phillip Island Health Hub, 50 Church Street, Cowes. The Emergency Department is at Wonthaggi Hospital, 235 Graham Street, Wonthaggi.

If you need immediate care, always phone triple zero (000) for an ambulance.