The RFDS in VIC

The pod is a safe, private and connected space where you can have a video consultation with a clinician from the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED). It is designed to make accessing care easier for people in Swifts Creek and surrounding areas.

The pod is run by a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria, Omeo District Health, and VVED, being hosted by the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre.

To give residents faster, easier access to urgent and non-urgent healthcare without travelling long distances. It supports local care options by adding another way to connect with healthcare professionals.

This pod is being deployed in Swifts Creek for 12 months as part of a pilot program run by the RFDS Victoria and the VVED. Depending on the findings of the pilot, this duration may be shorter or may be extended.

Absolutely! The pod is meant to give you more access to care when the nurses are not available, or if you would rather see a clinician remotely. There is no change in bush nurse availability because of the pod.

Yes. There is a CO2 monitor inside the pod for safety and the area around the pod is under CCTV surveillance 24/7.

No appointment is needed. You can walk in and start a session at any time – the pod is open 24/7.

No! Using the pod to access VVED is free.

The pod is located at the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre, next to the front entrance. The area has sensor lights as well as the constant lights in the carpark and the foyer directly outside the pod to ensure it is safe to visit at night.

Anyone in the community can use the pod – it is free and available for all ages.

The pod is wheelchair friendly and includes an adjustable seat, ramp access, and clear signage.

Yes, you can bring a support person or carer if you would like. The pod is designed for one or two people at a time.

Yes. During the registration process, you can request an interpreter to be present. An interpreter will be assigned to you for the duration of your consultation. Interpreting services are provided free of charge.

Yes. In addition, there is also a carbon dioxide sensor to monitor air quality inside the pod.

To enter, you should scan the QR code located on the door. After doing so, you will receive a text message with the PIN code to unlock the door. If you do not have a phone to scan the QR code you will need to speak to staff at the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre and so will not be able to access the pod outside operating hours. Alternatively, a family member or a friend can assist you by scanning the QR code.

You do not need your own phone or device to use the pod, but it is strongly recommended that you have one in case your clinician needs to send you information. You will need access to a smartphone or someone with a smartphone to enter the pod if a Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre staff member is unavailable.

You will be guided through a simple on-screen process to connect with a VVED clinician. The screen will also explain what to do in an emergency. During your call with a VVED clinician, you may be asked to measure your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, or breathing rate. Medical devices have been provided in the pod to assist you. Your VVED clinician will guide you in their use.

Very private. The pod is soundproof, the door closes securely, and no conversations or video sessions are recorded.

The pod will lock while you use it, however, you can exit without any issues. There is also a light outside which tells other people that the pod is occupied. If there is a power outage, the door should unlock automatically, and you can then exit the pod.

Not at all. The system is designed to be simple. You will be shown what to do on the screen step-by-step.

Yes, the pod is cleaned weekly. It is checked daily to ensure cleanliness as well. There is hand sanitiser available inside the pod for you to use before and after you use the equipment. There are masks and vomit bags available for anyone who needs them to make sure the pod is safe to use for everyone.

You will be connected with a clinician from the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) – the same service used across Victoria for virtual emergency care.

Wait times will fluctuate based on how many callers are online. However, on average, it is expected that you will be seen by an emergency doctor or nurse within 30 minutes. You should remain in the pod during this period to prevent the VVED clinician coming online without you being there.

You can talk to a VVED clinician about a range of concerns – from minor injuries and illnesses to advice about next steps if you are unwell. They can also help you decide whether you need to attend a hospital or clinic in person. The pod and VVED are not intended to be used in serious medical emergency or life-threatening situations, nor for obtaining script refills and medical certificates. For after-hours script refills and medical certificates, please contact Gippsland Primary Health Network on 1800 272 767. For more detailed information on what VVED can help with, please see their website.

If you are experiencing a serious medical or life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Examples include shortness of breath, severe chest pain, weakness down one side of the body.

Yes, but you will have to visit a pharmacy to fill the script.

As part of your consult, the VVED clinician may provide you with referrals to other healthcare providers for physical examination or tests.

The VVED clinician may send material to your regular GP/clinician only with your consent or upon your request. You will need to share the details of your GP with the VVED clinician if you want them to communicate with them.

Your information is kept secure and confidential in accordance with the VVED's policies. Any health information collected during your session is managed according to the same privacy standards used across Victorian health services.

With your consent, your clinician can share consultation notes with your My Health Record to help keep your care connected.

No personally identifiable information is used for research without your consent. General, non-identifiable data (such as how many people used the pod) may be used in research or to improve the service.

The pod is monitored remotely 24/7. If something is not working, you can scan the QR code above the screen to report it or contact the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre staff for local support.

At the end of your session, you will be asked to complete an anonymous research survey via a popup on the screen inside the pod. Completing this survey will be considered as implied consent for your response to be used in research. All responses will help the RFDS Victoria and the VVED understand the impact of this pilot, improve the service, and learn how to implement this initiative across Victoria. No identifiable information will be sought from you in this survey. You are welcome to complete the survey at the end of every visit, so you can provide feedback each time you use the pod.