Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Going to the right place for your health concern ensures you get the right care.
- It also helps those needing urgent or life-saving medical help.
- Save Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies.
On this page
Where to get help
If you are unwell, you have a number of options for care, depending on how severe your illness or situation is.
Going to the right place for your health concern helps you get the right care. It also helps people who need urgent or life-saving medical help.
Health advice or self-care
If you need health advice, such as for bites, stings, colds, flu, allergies, and medications:
- Visit the Better Health Channel
- Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24
- For COVID-19 information, including if you test positive for COVID-19, contact the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 020 080 or visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website
- Visit a pharmacist
Mental health concern
If you have a mental health concern, such as low mood, substance use or addiction:
- Contact a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub on 1300 375 330
- For specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare:
- find an Aboriginal mental health service near you
- call Yarning SafeNStrong on 1800 959 563
- If in crisis or thinking about self-harm:
- call Lifeline on 13 11 14
- call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Or contact Head to Health to find the best available mental health support on 1800 595 212
Health concern
If you have a health concern, such as an ongoing health problem or unexplained pain:
- Visit your local GP
- Visit a relevant allied health provider – for example, a physiotherapist for muscle and joint pain
- For specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare, find an Aboriginal health service near you
Health treatment
If you require health treatment, such as for minor burns, sprains, mild asthma, and abdominal pain:
- Visit your local GP
- For COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms, find a GP Respiratory Clinic near you
- Find a Priority Primary Care Centre near you
- Visit the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
- For specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare, find an Aboriginal health service near you
- In rural areas, visit an urgent care centre
Life-threatening emergency
If you experience a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain, sudden numbness or paralysis, or serious trauma:
- Call Triple Zero (000)
- Visit an emergency department
Please note: the symptoms listed are not a complete list of those suited to visiting these services. Example symptoms are provided for guidance only.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
