As winter illness increases across the community, Orbost Regional Health (ORH) is encouraging local people to plan ahead and become familiar with the different ways they can access medical advice, urgent care and doctor-supported services.
Orbost Medical Clinic remains open for business as usual and continues to support the community with general practice care, including routine appointments and prescription clinics.
There are also other services available to help people access advice and care when they are unwell, unsure what to do next, or need urgent medical support.
ORH understands that many people prefer to see a doctor face-to-face, and that phone or video health services can feel unfamiliar at first.
However, these services can help people get advice earlier, understand what care they need, and avoid unnecessary travel when they or someone they care for becomes unwell.
If you are feeling unwell but are not sure what to do next, 1800MEDICARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
By calling 1800 633 422, people can speak with a registered nurse who can assess symptoms and help guide them to the right care.
For non-life-threatening urgent medical concerns, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is available via their website.
The service connects eligible patients with emergency doctors and nurses by video call and can help people receive urgent medical advice without needing to travel unnecessarily.
Please note, VVED is an emergency service and does not do routine prescription refills or medical/clearance certificates.
Please contact alternative providers for these needs.
Orbost Medical Clinic remains open for business as usual and can assist with routine health care needs, including prescription clinics for routine prescription refills.
ORH Urgent Care remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for urgent medical care.
The service is supported by skilled nursing staff, with an on-call doctor available via virtual telehealth when required.
These services do not replace emergency care. If you or someone you care for is seriously unwell, experiencing chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, sudden collapse, serious injury or severe bleeding, always call Triple Zero on 000.
Quick guide
Need a routine GP appointment or prescription refill? Contact Orbost Medical Clinic. The clinic remains open for business as usual and continues to provide general practice care, including prescription clinics.
Not sure what to do? Call 1800MEDICARE for free health advice from a registered nurse.
Need urgent medical advice by video? Visit the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department’s website for non-life-threatening urgent medical issues.
VVED is an emergency service and does not provide routine prescription refills or medical/clearance certificates.
Urgent or worried? ORH Urgent Care is available 24/7 for urgent medical care.
Life-threatening emergency? Call Triple Zero on 000.
