FREE virtual health care is now available to every person in New South Wales for urgent conditions, following the completion of the rollout of NSW Health’s virtual urgent care service.
It now means everyone in New South Wales can access urgent clinical care for injuries and illnesses without needing to visit a hospital or GP.
Almost 16,000 patients accessed virtual care over the past financial year as the service incrementally expanded across metropolitan Sydney and regional New South Wales.
This is in addition to the over 216,000 attendances to New South Wales urgent care services or clinics over the 2024-25 fiscal year.
NSW virtual care services are available by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
A registered nurse will assess your condition over the phone and, if virtual care is appropriate, arrange an video-call appointment with a clinician – whether that’s a doctor, nurse or allied health professional.
Patients receive expert advice on treatment options, prescriptions if needed, and referrals to follow-up care.
Currently, statewide virtual urgent care services have 80 full-time equivalent clinical and non-clinical staff ensuring the service is running seven days a week between 8am and 10pm.
New South Wales virtual urgent care services are equipped to manage a wide range of health concerns.
This includes the management of 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.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said too many people feel like they don’t have a choice but to go to a hospital emergency department, because they can’t find a GP.
“It’s often the case that our EDs are being attended by people with non-life-threatening conditions,” Mr Park said.
“That’s why I’m so pleased to announce the completion of our rollout of virtual urgent care services across Sydney and across New South Wales.
“This is complementing our urgent care services and clinics which are also providing an alternative pathway to care outside of the hospital.
“More pathways to care outside of the hospital; more staff; more hospitals; lower wait times – it’s as simple as that.”
