As local families navigate the peak of the winter cold and flu season, Orbost Regional Health (ORH) is urging residents to familiarise themselves with available healthcare pathways before they or their loved ones fall ill.
In a public message to the community, ORH chief executive officer Vicki Farthing emphasised that being prepared and knowing where to turn for medical advice can help ensure residents receive the right care at the right time.
“Winter is a time when many families across Orbost and surrounding communities deal with coughs, colds, flu, infections and other health concerns,” Ms Farthing said.
“At Orbost Regional Health, we want to help people feel prepared before they or someone they care for becomes unwell.”
Several free, 24-hour telehealth and in-person services are available to assist regional residents with different levels of medical need.
For those who are unwell and unsure of what steps to take, free phone services are available to connect patients with registered nurses who can assess symptoms and recommend next steps:
– NURSE ON-CALL: 1800 022 222
– 1800MEDICARE: 1800 633 422
For non-life-threatening urgent medical concerns that require doctor or emergency nurse consultation, residents can access the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED).
Accessible online at vved.org.au, the service connects eligible patients directly with emergency medical staff via video call.
For physical medical assessments, the Orbost Regional Health Urgent Care Clinic remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat urgent medical needs locally.
For life-threatening emergencies – including chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, sudden collapse, serious injury, or severe bleeding – residents must bypass local clinics and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Ms Farthing encouraged community members to save these contact details, discuss winter health plans with their households and share the information with neighbours who may benefit from knowing their local options.
“The best time to know your options is before you are sick,” Ms Farthing said.
