The NSW Government has expanded a free virtual health care service to all Sydney residents including those in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
Residents across western Sydney will now be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions from home.
The virtual care service will provide advice for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, including coughs, colds, fevers, flu, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, minor infection and rashes.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the service will ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.
“We are announcing that virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions will now be available to all residents across Sydney,” Park said.
“This virtual care service is a free, convenient and safe way to access care right from the comfort of home.
“People from right across Sydney will be able to avoid 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.”
The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged over 16-years-old.
The service can be accessed by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where patients will speak first with a registered nurse who will assess the patient’s condition and if appropriate, refer the patient to the virtual care service.
The service uses video technology to connect patients with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses.
Penrith MP Karen McKeown said the service will reduce the time people wait for a GP.
“Penrith residents can now benefit from free, convenient and accessible virtual care services to help treat non-life-threatening conditions,” McKeown said.
“With the GP shortage putting a strain on our community, people from right across the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District will be able to avoid wait times for a GP or in a hospital through this expanded virtual care service.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.