Virtual ED to triple in size under $437 million state health boost

VICTORIA’S pioneering virtual emergency department will be made permanent and significantly expanded, with the Victorian government committing $437 million in the coming state budget.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced the investment this week, saying it would nearly triple the number of people able to access free, 24/7 urgent care from their own homes, reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments.

“The Virtual ED is a miracle,” Ms Allan said.

“It has helped more than half a million people, and we’re almost tripling its capacity so more families can get free, 24/7, world-class health care.”

Presently providing more than 600 consultations each day, the Virtual ED is expected to support 1,750 patients daily by 2028-29.

The service, operated by Northern Health and rolled out statewide in 2022, allows Victorians to connect with emergency clinicians online for advice, treatment or referrals, helping them avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the expansion would also support more referrals from aged care, paramedics, and services such as Nurse on Call.

“The Virtual ED is making it easier for Victorians everywhere to access urgent care 24/7 and taking pressure off our busy emergency departments and paramedics.”

The Virtual ED has proven especially effective in reducing hospital demand. In the past year, 83 per cent of patients using the service avoided a trip to the emergency department, while 79 per cent of those referred by paramedics were able to receive care at home, which frees up ambulances for life-threatening emergencies.

The budget will also increase funding for 29 Urgent Care Clinics across the state, which have seen more than 800,000 visits since their launch in 2022.

Victorians experiencing a medical emergency are still urged to phone 000 (Triple Zero) or visit their nearest hospital.

The Virtual ED is available online at vved.org.au