The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is making major milestones after providing more than half a million consultations across the state, including across Greater Geelong.
The VVED started as a pilot in October 2020 and was rolled out statewide in April 2022 to provide free around-the-clock care to people in the comfort of their homes.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said close to four per cent of the total VVED visits were from people across the region.
“Congratulations to the hardworking doctors and nurses who are delivering this innovative service,” she said.
“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.”
Services included clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment and referrals, with the program helping 83 per cent of patients avoid an unnecessary trip to the hospital.
Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas said there was a high demand for the VVED, with close to 22,000 calls in December 2024 alone.
“With more than 500,000 video consultations, the VVED has become a service Victorians rely on and it is all thanks to the hardworking doctors and nurses who support patients 24/7,” she said.
The VVED also supported more direct referrals from aged care, paramedics in the field, primary health networks, the Nurse on Call service and self-referrals from the community.
The virtual service is one of many initiatives by the state government to help take pressure off the health system, including 29 Urgent Care Clinics across the state.
Visit vved.org.au. to access the VVED. People are still advised to call Triple Zero or go to their closest emergency department if faced with an emergency.
