Did you know that Metro North Health now has a Virtual ED that can be accessed by all Queensland residents? Helping to cut down long emergency department queues and provide an efficient medical service for patients from the comfort of their own home, below is a break down on everything you need to know about the Virtual ED and how it can benefit you.
What is the Metro North Virtual ED?
Exactly as it sounds, the Virtual ED (emergency department) gives patients the ability to skip a trip to the emergency room and instead access medical assistance from their home.
Originally set up during the height of the COVID pandemic as a way for GPs and clinicians to jointly work together when treating patients, in 2022 the successful service was expanded to patients in the entire Queensland state.
Run by senior Emergency Department staff experienced in triaging and diagnosing a multitude of emergency conditions, the experts reached during a Virtual ED appointment will be able to treat, refer and prescribe medication accordingly through the service.
Now, if you are non-life-threatening care, you will be able to jump online and book a virtual appointment, enabling you to speak first with a medical professional from your own home.
Benefits of using the Metro North Virtual ED service
For many people, a trip to the emergency department is usually a last resort. When you can’t get an urgent appointment with your GP though and your condition or symptoms are causing you concern, having the option to contact medical assistance quickly from home is a god-send. There are numerous benefits to having this service available in Queensland, including;
- Relieving demand on busy emergency departments at local hospitals.
- Providing a streamlined and comfortable service for patients at home.
- Accessing expert clinical advice remotely.
- Limiting uncomfortable waiting room visits where your time there is unknown and adjusted regularly by others coming in with more critical injuries.
- Limiting people with contagious illnesses presenting at hospitals and spreading their virus to staff and other patients.
- No need to find care options for family members or children who also reside with you during a visit to the hospital.
Who can use the Metro North Virtual ED?
Although the Virtual ED has been set up to be accessed by all Queensland-based patients, GPs and clinicians, if you are wanting to register and book in for your own personal appointment you will need to meet three requirements first to do so. These are:
- That you are currently living, visiting or receiving treatment in Queensland.
- That you have a device available to you that can enable a telehealth consultation to take place. This means it should have access to video, audio and internet services.
- You are unable to make an urgent appointment with your local GP.
If you meet all of the above requirements then you can register online and book your Virtual ED appointment.
When should you NOT use the virtual ED?
Although the Virtual ED has been set up to provide medical assistance to patients who would usually be heading to the emergency department, there are some conditions in which it is more important that you seek immediate emergency help first. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, it is advised that you immediately DIAL 000 instead.
DO NOT use the Virtual ED for the following medical problems, dial 000 instead:
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems or turning blue
- Comatose or unconscious
- Sudden inability to move or speak, or sudden facial drooping
- The effects of a severe accident.
What can you expect from your Virtual ED appointment?
If you find yourself in a situation and think that a Virtual ED appointment would be best for your family, below is what you need to do to organise your appointment and what to expect from the service.
Registering and booking your Metro North Virtual ED appointment
- Head to the Metro North Health Virtual ED website and click on the Virtual ED (Patient) link.
- You will be asked to confirm that your symptoms are not of a critical nature (as listed above).
- You will need to make sure you have access to a device that can enable a telehealth consultation (video, audio, internet)
- You will be asked a few standard questions such as if you are booking the appointment for you or someone else, if they are with you and also to confirm you live in Queensland.
- You will be told if you are eligible to use the service.
If you are eligible for the Virtual ED patient service you will:
- Be transferred to the Virtual ED waiting room
- Have a telehealth consultation with a Triage Nurse to assess your condition
- Be transferred to the Virtual ED Administration Officer for completion of the registration process (have your Medicare details ready )
If you are triaged to see a Virtual ED doctor you will:
- Be placed in the queue to see the Emergency Doctor for a telehealth consultation
NOTE: Please be aware that triage patients may be referred to another health service without seeing the Virtual ED doctor. Patients are also seen based on urgency of condition and wait times can be longer than expected. Although this is similar to an actual hospital emergency room, the wait can be done in the comfort of your home.
When is the Metro North Virtual ED service open?
If you are looking to use the Virtual ED service, the operating hours are:
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