Australia’s first ever virtual emergency department is marking a major milestone – providing more than half a million consultations to Victorians in need with free around-the-clock urgent care, in the comfort of their own home.
Starting as a pilot in October 2020, the VVED rolled out statewide in April 2022 and has provided clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment and referrals to Victorians of all ages, right across the state.
In the past year, the service helped 83 per cent of patients who would have otherwise gone to the hospital avoid an unnecessary trip to the hospital when they needed urgent care.
With health services busier than ever, demand for the VVED is high with almost 22,000 calls in December 2024 alone – making it busier than any other emergency department.
The service is also helping alleviate pressure on paramedics, with around 79 per cent of patients referred by a paramedic receiving virtual care at home – avoiding paramedics driving them to hospital and freeing them up to return to the road and assist patients with life-threatening emergencies.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is investing $437 million to massively expand the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department – and make it permanent.
The investment means nearly three times the number of Victorians will be able to access free, 24/7 urgent care through the Virtual ED – reducing pressure on the health system and the dedicated doctors, nurses and paramedics working within it.
Currently, the Virtual ED delivers care to more than 600 callers every day.
The Government’s expansion of Australia’s first ever virtual emergency department means the service will support more than 1,750 Victorians every day by 2028/29.
The expansion will also support more direct referrals from aged care, paramedics in the field, primary health networks, and Nurse on Call.
The Virtual ED is just one of the many initiatives established by the Labor Government to protect and expand your public health system.
This includes 29 Urgent Care Clinics, which received a boost in this Budget and are staffed by GPs and nurses who can treat a wide range of conditions, such as burns and sprains. Since launching in September 2022, the clinics have seen more than 800,000 visits.
If faced with an emergency, Victorians should still call Triple Zero or present to their closest emergency department. To access the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, visit vved.org.au.
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Congratulations to the hardworking doctors and nurses who are delivering this innovative service – their hard work supporting the community through the VVED is improving care across the state including right here in the Bellarine and Greater Geelong region.”
