As Victorians head into the busy Christmas and New Year break, health authorities are reminding people of the range of alternative care options available across the state to help avoid long waits in emergency departments.
Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs), which are open seven days a week, accept both walk-ins and bookings and are staffed by GPs and nurses who can treat urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as sprains, minor fractures, cuts and mild infections.
There are 29 UCCs operating across Victoria, and more than one million patients have been treated since the clinics opened in 2022. The clinics currently care for more than 7,500 people each week, with around half of patients saying they would have gone to a hospital emergency department if a clinic had not been available.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited the Richmond Urgent Care Clinic today, encouraging Victorians to save Triple Zero and hospital emergency departments for emergencies only.
The reminder comes as the health system experiences sustained demand over summer, with a suite of urgent and virtual care services available day and night.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) offers free, 24-hour access to emergency nurses and doctors via video, allowing patients to receive care online while easing pressure on emergency departments. Nurse-on-Call is also available 24/7, providing immediate expert advice from registered nurses.
Victorians can also visit one of more than 800 pharmacies participating in the Chemist Care Now program, where trained pharmacists can treat a range of common conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections and mild skin conditions, helping people avoid unnecessary visits to a GP.
These services are supported by ongoing investment, including funding for additional urgent care clinics, the expansion of Chemist Care Now, and the permanent rollout of the VVED.
Victorians are urged to call Triple Zero in emergencies, while non-urgent health concerns can be treated through alternative care options.
Thomas said, “During the festive season and throughout the busy summer months, Victorians should always consider using one of our world-class alternative care options like our UCCs or the VVED if their condition is not life-threatening.
“I want to thank our dedicated doctors, nurses, midwives, and the entire healthcare workforce for their tireless work in 2025—especially this time of year when they take time away from their families to care for Victorians.”
For more information on Victoria’s Urgent Care Services, please visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
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