Three more rural Victorian communities now have free, round-the-clock access to an emergency doctor, with the Flying Doctor Care Pod pilot expanding to Harrow, Walwa and Woomelang.
Building on the first pod at Swifts Creek in Gippsland, new pods have been launched at the Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre and the Woomelang & District Bush Nursing Centre.
The Flying Doctor Care Pod is a private, safe and secure walk-in space that connects people by video with an emergency doctor or nurse from the Virtual Emergency Department (VED). It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no appointment, no Medicare card and no cost. Inside, diagnostic equipment can check heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels, so the clinician can provide advice, a treatment plan, a prescription or a referral where needed.
The Care Pod can help with:
- Colds, flu, COVID-19 and other viral infections
- Fevers, headaches, nausea or feeling generally unwell
- Minor injuries, including cuts, sprains, burns and grazes
- Aches, pains and back pain
- Ear, throat, chest or urinary infections
- Rashes, allergies, bites and stings
- Prescription advice and guidance on next steps
The pods are for care that is timely but not life-threatening. They sit alongside each local bush nursing centre, extending access to care after hours and when nearby services are closed. They do not replace existing services. For serious or life-threatening emergencies, always call Triple Zero (000).
Harrow, Walwa and Woomelang were chosen because they reflect the access challenges many rural communities face. Residents often deal with long waits to see a GP, limited after-hours and on-call services, and long distances to the nearest hospital or emergency department.
RFDS Victoria CEO Dr Michael Ben-Meir said the Care Pods are another way the Flying Doctor is working with communities to overcome distance.
"By providing 24/7 access to an emergency doctor and basic diagnostic checks close to home, the Flying Doctor Care Pod helps people get the right care at the right time, while also preventing avoidable travel to hospital emergency departments for issues that can be safely managed in the community."
"Innovation has always been part of our DNA and Flying Doctor Care Pods are just the latest example of combining technology with our vision to overcome distance as a barrier to care."
None of this would be possible without our partners. Thank you to the Virtual Emergency Department, CareZen, Walwa Bush Nursing Centre, Harrow Bush Nursing Centre and Woomelang & District Bush Nursing Centre. Their expertise, local knowledge and commitment to their communities have made these pods a reality.
We are also grateful to our donors, including the RADO Foundation, the Pratt Foundation and Eva Selwyn. Their generosity is helping bring emergency care closer to home for rural Victorians, and we thank them for sharing our vision.
