GP After Hours Helpline Begins Service in Victoria

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16 May 2012

The popular after hours GP helpline (1800 022 222) has become a truly national service, as Victoria has now signed on, bringing all state and territories on board.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek made the announcement as the after hours GP helpline, which first began operation in some states in July last year, notched up more than 130,000 calls.

“I am delighted that all Australians now have access to this important service – which gives people access to expert medical advice from the convenience of their own homes, at night, on weekends and on public holidays.”

She said people living in Victoria will now access to GP advice as well as the existing, successful NURSE-ON-CALL service.

“The after hours GP helpline has been a great relief for thousands of young parents who have needed help when toddlers came down with night-time fevers, coughs and vomiting.”

“Older Australians who had taken a bad turn in the night and people suffering from headaches and diarrhoea have also used the helpline in great numbers.”

Ms Plibersek said the after hours GP helpline had provided thousands of callers with medical advice on whether they could manage their condition at home, wait until the morning to see a doctor or seek urgent face-to-face medical treatment.

Helpline data shows that two out of three callers are receiving the advice they need over the phone without having to wait for a face-to-face consultation.

The remaining one third of callers, who require urgent face-to-face attention, are referred to local after hours services or emergency services as appropriate.

Victorians who use the helpline can continue to have their calls answered by NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 60 60 24). Calls will be transferred to the after hours GP helpline if callers need to speak to a GP.

Victorians can also now call the national after hours GP helpline directly on 1800 022 222.

The helpline is free to callers from landlines within Australia and operates between 6pm and 8am Monday to Saturday, and 12 noon Saturday to 8am Monday, and on all national and state/territory public holidays.

For more information, contact the Minister’s Office on 02 6277 7220