Timboon residents are getting the care they need closer to home, freeing up more ambulances to respond to community members in need.
Ambulance Victoria Timboon Team Manager Andrew Berry said the introduction of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) allowed more patients to be transported and treated at the town's Urgent Care Centre (UCC).
Ambulance Victoria Team Manager Andrew Berry with Alwyn Bell at the Urgent Care Centre.
UCCs offer high-quality care in rural communities for illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening.
"We know that for many of our patients, especially the elderly, getting medical care in their own community and not spending time waiting in emergency departments is the best outcome," Mr Berry said.
"VVED connects UCC staff with emergency doctors, providing patients with the expert care they need quicker, and avoiding a trip to hospital which can take an ambulance out of the community for several hours."
VVED, which started as a pilot in Melbourne's north in October 2020 before being rolled out statewide in April 2022, has provided clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment and local referrals to more than 256,000 patients.
Since October 2021, paramedics have referred more than 56,000 patients to the VVED, while a further 5,400 have been referred following assessment by AV's Secondary Triage team.
L-R: Ambulance Victoria Team Manager Andrew Berry, Alwyn Bell and TDHS Director of Clinical Services Larissa Barclay
Timboon resident Alwyn Bell was recently cared for at the Timboon UCC after she suffered a fainting episode.
The 97-year-old said being able to receive treatment locally made a big difference.
"Being able to go to my local hospital was much more convenient and the staff took great care of me," Ms Bell said.
"I don't drive so it was much easier for me not to have to travel to Warrnambool and much easier to get home."
Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) Director of Clinical Services Larissa Barclay said it was fantastic to see a significant increase in presentations at the UCC.
"We want all community members to know about this important service, that it's available 24 hours, seven days a week with no need to call ahead," Ms Barclay said.
"Our dedicated and highly skilled staff are ready to provide Timboon and district community members with urgent care, at any time, on any day of the week."
The Timboon UCC is located at 21 Hospital Road, Timboon.
Across the Barwon South West region, UCCs are located at Winchelsea, Colac, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Camperdown, Timboon, Port Fairy, Portland, Terang, Heywood and Casterton.
Community members are reminded to save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.
For non-life-threatening matters, you can contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) from anywhere in Victoria, at any time.
