If you are sick or injured and need care quickly, but it is not life-threatening, you can now see an emergency doctor or nurse without leaving home.
Queensland Health’s Virtual Emergency Care Service (VECS) connects you with experienced emergency nurses and doctors by video call or phone. The service assesses your symptoms, listens to your concerns and guides the next steps in your care. For many people in our shire, this can save a long trip to an emergency department.
Key facts
- VECS is free.
- It opens every day from 8 AM to 10 PM, including public holidays.
- It is available to adults and children anywhere in Queensland, including visitors to the state.
- You do not need a Medicare card or a referral from your GP.
What VECS can help with
VECS clinicians treat a range of urgent conditions, including:
- acute respiratory illnesses
- allergic reactions
- pain
- infections
- minor burns
- fever in children
- gastroenteritis
- sporting injuries.
The VECS team first assesses your concern. If virtual care suits your needs, they place you in a queue for a telehealth consultation with an emergency doctor. The doctor can give advice and treatment, issue e-scripts, request pathology tests and make referrals.
How to use VECS
If you are not sure whether VECS is right for you, start with the healthdirect symptom checker. Answer a few questions about how you feel, and it will guide you to the best place to get care.
You can also call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for help accessing the service.
Visit the Queensland Government’s VECS page for more information:
www.qld.gov.au/health/services/virtual-emergency-care-service
When not to use VECS
VECS does not treat life-threatening emergencies. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately for:
- chest pain
- breathing problems or turning blue
- unconsciousness
- sudden inability to move or speak, or sudden facial drooping
- injuries from a serious accident.
