An average visit to an emergency department (ED) for a non-life-threatening reason, is pretty much guarenteed to lead to a long sit in a waiting room.
But, the rollout of NSW Health’s virtual urgent care service will see patients being able to spare themselves a visit to the ED with this new free virtual health service.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, says the service is now available to every person in NSW for urgent conditions and 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,’ said Ms Saffin.
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.
Virtual care is available 7 days a week between 8am and 10pm by calling on Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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