SWAN Hill District Health is urging the community to save the emergency department for just that – emergencies.
A spokesperson for SHDH said the ED was dedicated to providing immediate, life-saving care for patients with serious and urgent medical conditions.
“However, due to a number of factors, we have been experiencing very high demand, and we must prioritise those in greatest need,” the spokesperson said.
“This means that wait times can be long for people with non-urgent concerns.
“We know that doctor appointments can be very hard to get in our current climate and we are doing everything we can at SHDH to continue working to meet that demand, but it is also important that you, our community, plays a role too.”
SHDH said if a person’s condition was not a medical emergency, there were alternative health services to consider.
“These are safe, accessible options that can support you without the need to attend the ED,” the spokesperson said.
“We urge our community to use the emergency department only for conditions that are urgent or life-threatening.
“If you or a loved one is seriously unwell, call 000 immediately.
“By choosing the right service for your health needs, you help our team focus on those who need emergency care the most – and you often get seen faster too.”
Alternative options ca be found on the SHDH website at www.shdh.org.au/our-services/emergency-department/.
See a GP
A GP is often the best first point of contact for health issues that are not urgent. The Swan Hill Primary Health Medical Centre is working with the ED to provide extra appointments when available to help alleviate the pressure on ED.
Remember that you can help us by cancelling appointments when you no longer need them to ensure they are free for someone else.
Nurse on call
THIS free, 24-hour, seven days a week service connects you with a registered nurse who can provide expert health advice and help you decide what to do next.
Call: 1300 60 60 24
Visit: www.health.vic.gov.au/primary-care/nurse-on-call
This free, 24/7 service connects you with a registered nurse who can provide expert health advice and help you decide what to do next.
Visit: www.health.vic.gov.au/primary-care/nurse-on-call
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)
VVED is a free, state-wide service that allows you to consult with emergency doctors and nurses via video call from the comfort of your home.
Since it’s statewide rollout in April 2022, VVED has provided more than 550,000 consultations, averaging over 700 patients daily.
In the past year, this service has helped 83 per cent of patients to have their concerns addressed without an unnecessary trip to a physical hospital, and the VVED took a record 22,000 calls throughout the month of December 2024 alone, making it busier than any other emergency department service.
This service is available 24/7 and is accessible by all Victorians. Visit www.vved.org.au.
Online doctor services
bulkbilling.doctor: Offers online bulk-billing GP consultations for prescriptions, medical certificates, and more. Visit bulkbilling.doctor
Doctors on Demand: A 24/7 telehealth service with Australian-registered GPs. Fees range from $60-$90.Visit doctorsondemand.com.au
