Gerald Lynch
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is doubling in size, giving more urgent care to Melbourne’s north.
The VVED currently delivers free urgent care via video consultations to around 550 Victorians every day, and will be expanded to be able to care for more than 1,000 people daily.
The program started as a pilot in Melbourne’s north in October 2020 before rolling out statewide in April 2022.
In this time, it has provided clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment, and local referrals to more than 256,000 patients.
The service has helped 86 per cent of its patients avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the program helps reduce strain on GPs and hospitals.
“With too many people unable to see their GP and with bulk-billing doctors few and far between, there is more pressure on hospitals,” she said.
“Our investments in the virtual emergency department and the Priority Primary Care Centres are helping deliver more accessible and affordable care to people, when and where they need it.”
Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the increase in program capacity was a necessary step.
“Doubling the capacity of the Virtual ED service will ensure more members of our community have access to this alternative urgent care option which is helping reduce pressure on our busy emergency departments,” she said.
The 24/7 service is delivered by the Northern Hospital, and supports direct referrals from aged care, paramedics in the field, primary health networks, the Nurse on Call service, and self-referrals from the community.
Victorian premier Jacinta Allan was in attendance to announce the expansion, and she said they were “doubling the Virtual ED’s capacity so more Victorians can get the urgent care they need, from their own home – taking pressure off our busy emergency departments.”
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny also took the opportunity to express gratitude for the program and how it will impact locals
“Congratulations to our local Northern Hospital team who are delivering this innovative service – their hard work in designing and developing the VVED is improving care across the state and seeing real results.”
