Sick Bay News

If you or a family member are feeling unwell and it is not life threatening, it may not be necessary to call an ambulance or visit the emergency department. Please read below to learn how to get help, referrals and medication without having to leave your home. This virtual service is great for getting referrals for x-rays, common prescriptions and advice if a loved one is feeling unwell.

Welcome to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department. We are here for you 24/7

Welcome to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), a public health service for non-life-threatening emergencies. Access emergency care from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will be connected to our team of emergency nurses and doctors, who are trained to assist you.

Interpreter services are available for patients who prefer to speak in their own language.

The dedicated pathways below are designed to ensure all calls are handled efficiently.

Look up Northern VED on the internet and follow the prompts.

Home - Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (vved.org.au)

Use this website to gain access - https://www.vved.org.au

This is an example of what you will see on the website.

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department works in partnership with

About VVED

Northern Health is home to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), which triages and treats patients with non-life-threatening conditions virtually. VVED is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service is the first of its kind in Australia.

All VVED patients receive appropriate care from our highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses. Our doctors are Australian credentialed clinicians, and work from Northern Health’s offices or from home.

There is no referral required, and all patients can connect directly from any personal device with a camera. Patients can also be connected to the service via Ambulance Victoria, their GP, or other health professionals.

For patients who prefer to speak in their own language, VVED offers interpreting services. This provides the same quality of service for all patients and their families, regardless of ethnicity and level of English. The online registration forms are available in multiple languages.

 We also partner with hospitals around the state, residential aged care facilities, Ambulance Victoria, general practitioners, and Primary Health Networks to ensure better access to emergency care.

Northern Health’s Virtual Emergency Department began as a pilot project at Northern Hospital Epping in October 2020 to help patients in the north with COVID-19 symptoms, relieve pressure on emergency waiting rooms, and treat more people from the comfort of their home. The program is now open to all patients across Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call the Virtual Emergency Department?

Please call the VVED only if you have a non-life-threatening health emergency.

Can I talk to a doctor or nurse via phone?

No, we only do video consultations, as it improves the ability to assess your condition. You will need to use a device with a camera (mobile phone, PC, laptop or tablet). The camera must be turned on, and the patient must be awake to be triaged virtually.

I live outside of Victoria. Who should I call?

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is only available to people currently in Victoria who would otherwise present to a physical Victorian Emergency Department or health service.

What is considered a non-life-threatening emergency?

How long will I need to wait online before I see a doctor or a nurse?

Wait times will fluctuate based on how many callers are online. However, on average, it is expected that you will be seen by an emergency doctor or nurse within 30 minutes.

Do I have to pay for this service?

There is no charge for this service.

How do I access the service?

Please use one of the four buttons on the home page, depending on the category that best describes you. Once you complete the registration process, you will be linked directly to a virtual emergency department waiting room until it is your turn to be seen by a clinician.

How do I access the interpreting service?

As part of the registration process, you will be asked for your preferred language. During the registration process, you can request an interpreter to be present and an appropriate one will be assigned to you for the duration of your consultation. Interpreting services are provided free of charge.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a GP referral to use this service. Should your consultation result in the need for a GP follow-up referral, this will be provided to your email.

When should I call an ambulance?

Please call an ambulance for life-threatening conditions. Examples include shortness of breath, severe chest pain, weakness down one side of the body. If you think you have a life-threatening condition, please contact Triple Zero (000) urgently.

Will I be speaking to a trained doctor?

All staff working for VVED are fully qualified to deliver emergency care.

We have a team of emergency physicians, paediatric emergency physicians, paediatricians, general practitioners, medical registrars, nurses and nurse practitioners ready to help.

Let’s talk immunisation for Year 7 & Year 10s

If your child happened to miss an immunisation recently at school (Year 7 & Year 10) please see below for instructions on how to get this done for them in the local community:

Please use the link below:

https://hume.book.vaxapp.com.au/available-appointments

Families can book and attend any of Hume CC public sessions or visit a GP.