Right now, health services are under pressure around the world. In this LinkedIn post an ED doctor in the UK shares his perspectives on why people might be experiencing long waits in Emergency Departments.
Need healthcare that can’t wait?
If you’re seeking healthcare which is unplanned but is not an emergency or life-threatening – and it can’t wait until you can get an appointment with a GP – there are a few options that don’t require you to sit for a long time in an Emergency Department:
- Call HealthDirect or visit the website for advice and information 24/7 – this service has been significantly improved in recent years and includes the option to discuss your symptoms with a registered nurse.
- Call 1800 022 222
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
- Visit an Urgent Care Centre
- There are two types of Urgent Care Centres in WA
- Medicare Urgent Care Centres are free at the point of care – you can find your nearest online at https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc or by calling HealthDirect on 1800 022 222
- You may be able to walk-in, or need to make an appointment – check with the centre closest to you
- Other urgent care centres – such as those provided by St John Health – provide urgent care without an appointment with a fee to be paid.
- You will need to pay up-front but Medicare Card holders will get a Medicare rebate.
- The up-front costs can range from $168 Monday to Friday to $310 on public holidays
- The out of pocket costs (after the rebate) range from approx $125 Monday to Friday to $175 on public holidays
- You can find your nearest online at https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc or by calling HealthDirect on 1800 022 222
- Medicare Urgent Care Centres are free at the point of care – you can find your nearest online at https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc or by calling HealthDirect on 1800 022 222
- There are two types of Urgent Care Centres in WA
- Visit an out of hours GP
- Contact HealthDirect to find out about which GPs are open after normal business hours in your area
- Find out more at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/after-hours-health-services
- Emergency or life-threatening illnesses or injuries require immediate medical attention by an emergency department or hospital. For example, things like chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe burns, poisoning, loss of feeling, and seizures.
If you do need to attend an Emergency Department, you can get an idea of how long you might be waiting from the WA Health website showing up to date wait times at https://www.health.wa.gov.au/reports-and-publications/emergency-department-activity/data?report=ed_activity_now
Other ways you can play your part in reducing the need for hospital care
- Stay up to date with your vaccinations
- As we’re heading into flu season the WA Government is funding free access to flu vaccines for WA residents until the end of June 2025. Find out more at https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Influenza-immunisation-program/Free-influenza-vaccine-program-May-and-June-2025
- The WA Government has extended its free RSV Vaccine program for pregnant women and babies
- In Australia, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is the most common reason babies are hospitalised.
- Pregnant women can access the vaccine at community pharmacies, and babies can be vaccinated at a range of places including community health clinics – find out more at https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/2025-Respiratory-Syncytial-Virus-Infant-and-Maternal-Immunisation-Program
- The Federal Minister for Health recently encouraged Australians to stay up to date with COVID vaccines – you can find out more, including where to access a vaccine free of charge at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-faqs
- Maintain good health hygiene habits
- if you’re unwell, reduce the chance of infecting others by staying home, wearing a mask if out in public, and wash your hands regularly
- and in particular, take action to reduce the chance of infecting older people in your community or family
- pay attention to air quality in homes and buildings
- if you’re unwell, reduce the chance of infecting others by staying home, wearing a mask if out in public, and wash your hands regularly
HCC’s advocacy in this area
At HCCWA we are actively advocating for the interests of health consumers including patients, carers and family members in relation to ensure affordable access to healthcare across primary, community and hospital settings. This includes providing input on the WA Government’s work in relation to virtual care, care for older people, and emergency access.