The Minns Labor Government has expanded a new free virtual healthcare service to residents in Western and Far West NSW.
Residents will be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life threatening conditions, right from the comfort of their own home.
This virtual care service will provide care for urgent but non-life threatening illnesses or injuries including:
- Coughs, colds, fevers and flu;
- Respiratory symptoms;
- Vomiting and diarrhoea; or
- Minor infections and rashes.
The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged 16 years and older.
You can access this service by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where patients will first speak to a registered nurse who will assess your condition, and if appropriate, refer you to the virtual care service.
The service uses video conferencing technology to connect patients with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses, where clinically appropriate.
Virtual care forms part of a broader range of measures to relieve pressure on the state's busy EDs, including:
- $100 million investment for a further two years to continue our urgent care services, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
- $70 million over 4 years to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
- $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;
- $31.4 million over 4 years to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed; and
- $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients early that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"Today, we are announcing that virtual care for non-life threatening conditions will now be available in Western and Far West NSW.
"This virtual care service is a free, convenient and safe way to access care right from the comfort of home.
"People will be able to avoid for a wait for a GP or in a hospital through this expanded virtual care service.
"It will relieve pressure on our busy emergency departments by creating more alternative pathways to care outside the hospital."
Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"We know that the added challenge of accessing healthcare in our part of the world is distance, and this service may provide another way for patients to access care safely in the comfort of their own home.
"It should not be meant to replace face to face attention from a medical practitioner, but looks to take some of the pressure off emergency departments and other overstressed sectors of our health workforce.
"It will allow people with relatively minor ailments to seek free medical attention or be provided sound advice on whether to seek further help in person."
Quotes attributable to Member for Orange Phil Donato:
"Wait times to see a GP is now often longer than the duration of ailments we need to see them for.
"This free-of-charge healthcare service will provide an option for those needing to promptly consult with medical professionals, all without having to leave home.
"With cost-of-living pressures impacting most of us, access to a free medical service will encourage more people to seek medical advice, and also help make ends meet."
Quotes attributable to Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
"Virtual health should never be a substitute for in-person health care, but virtual health can be a useful tool to address some health needs in rural communities.
"This service will help address some medical issues in a timely fashion and that's a good thing.
"As part of a wider commitment to rural health, this free virtual healthcare service will be of benefit to the people of rural NSW."
