A range of free healthcare services are here to make sure you can access the care you need close to home, while reducing pressure off our emergency departments and paramedics.
Share this with your family and friends so they can be aware of the free healthcare options that are available locally.
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)
Did you know there's an emergency department on your phone?
The VVED offers free, 24/7 help for non life-threatening emergencies with doctors and nurses online.
We've tripled the size of the VVED so more people can get quality care from their home.
Currently, the VVED delivers care to more than 600 callers every day.
To access the VVED, visit VVED.org.au
Chemist Care Now
Forgot the Pill? Need a travel vaccination? Dealing with a UTI or a skin-flare up?
With Chemist Care now, you can skip the GP visit and head straight to your local chemist for treatment without a script.
Over the coming months, additional common health conditions will be introduced into the program including nausea, minor wound management, allergies, reflux and school sores.
Most consultations will remain free.
Check this map to find a chemist closest to you: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/chemist-care-now
It's best to call a listed pharmacy ahead of visiting to make sure that a trained pharmacist is on duty to help you.
Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent Care Clinics provide care for conditions that require urgent care but aren't life-threatening emergencies like mild infections, burns, sprains or suspected fractures.
It's free and you don't need an appointment or a referral. Just walk-in.
You can avoid the long waits of an emergency department, and many also have pathology and imaging nearby.
We have an Urgent Care Clinic at Mernda Community Hospital.
Weekend care is available at the Urgent Care Centres in Epping and Craigieburn. See below for more information.
Mernda
Address: 35 Flourmill Drive, Mernda
Hours: Monday-Friday, 12pm - 8pm
Craigieburn
Address: 70 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8am - 10pm
Epping
Address: Shop 216 Epping Plaza Regional Centre, 571-583 High Street, Epping
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8am - 10pm
Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local
Not quite feeling like yourself and just need someone to talk to?
Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is a free service for people aged 26 and over to get mental health and wellbeing support closer to home.
No GP referral needed. You don't need a Medicare Card either.
This service provides safe and confidential support to everyone, no matter your circumstance. You don’t need to be an Australian citizen or resident to access this service.
If you are 25 years or under, Headspace South Morang is there on 03 9938 1940.
We are providing these services across the state as part of our massive investment in mental health support.
Address: 7/1 Danaher Drive, South Morang
Phone number: 1800 571 145
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
Saturday and public holidays, 10.30am - 6pm
Sunday, By appointment only
Virtual Women's Health Clinic
We opened the virtual women's health clinic, so you can access expert care, information and support on a range of women's health issues.
The virtual clinic provides care without needing to travel by offering confidential appointments with clinicians over the phone or online.
Appointments are available to girls, women and gender diverse people from puberty age and above.
The service is free, accessible, culturally safe, confidential and judgement-free.
You do not need a referral.
The virtual clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can book an appointment online at www.each.com.au or over the phone at 1300 003 224.
Women's Sexual Health and Reproductive Hub
This service offers information and support to all women, girls, and gender diverse people in the community regarding contraception, pregnancy options, medical termination, sexual health testing and treatment.
The initial assessment with the nursing team is free of charge.
Any subsequent appointments with the GP may incur fees. The nurse will discuss this with you at your initial assessment.
Nurse-led services, such as cervical screening and immunisation clinics will be bulk-billed for all clients.
You can book an appointment online at www.dpvhealth.org.au/sexual-and-reproductive-health/ or call 1300 234 263.
They have centres at Mill Park and Broadmeadows.
Women's Health Clinic - Epping
Too often, women face barriers when trying to access specialist care close to home.
That’s why we've opened a new, free service to help women with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause.
Ask your GP about a referral to the public Women's Health Clinic located within the Epping Private Hospital.
Because women deserve to have their pain believed and treated.
Address: Epping Medical Centre, 230 Cooper Street, Epping.
