Free virtual health care is now available to every person in NSW for urgent conditions, following the completion of the rollout of NSW Health’s virtual urgent care service.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says this means people across the Lismore electorate can access urgent clinical care for injuries and illnesses from home, without needing to visit a hospital or GP.

“Often people’s first thought for urgent conditions is to go to straight to the Emergency Department, because they can’t find a GP at the time. Our EDs are attended by many people without life-threatening conditions.

“Now you can make a phone call to Healthdirect first to have your condition assessed.

“A registered nurse will assess your condition over the phone and, if virtual care is appropriate, arrange a video-call appointment with a clinician, whether that’s a doctor, nurse or allied health professional.

“You’ll receive expert advice on treatment options, prescriptions if needed, and referrals to follow-up care,” Ms Saffin said.

Virtual care is available 7 days a week between 8am and 10pm by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

NSW virtual urgent care services are equipped to manage a wide range of health concerns, including coughs, colds, fevers and flu; treatment for vomiting, diarrhoea or mild infections, rashes and skin irritations; or minor injuries such as sprains and small cuts.

This service builds on the NSW Government’s budget emergency department relief package, which includes:

• $100 million to back in our urgent care services to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals;
• $70 million to expand emergency department short-stay units
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real-time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;