High demand in Urgent Care Centre
Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) wishes to thank community members for their patience and support during recent periods of high demand at the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at Maryborough Hospital.
We recognise that waiting times can sometimes be challenging, especially during recent peaks, and we appreciate the understanding shown by patients and families.
Several complex cases requiring specialist care and transfer recently contributed to heightened demand at our UCC.
This reinforces the important reminder that the Urgent Care Centre is distinct from an Emergency Department.
The UCC is staffed by registered nurses who assess, triage, and coordinate care, with support from the Victorian Virtual Emergency Doctor (VVED) service, local General Practitioners (GPs), and Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs).
Patients with urgent or life-threatening needs are always prioritised, which may result in longer waits for those with less serious concerns.
For urgent, non-life-threatening healthcare needs, or when you can’t wait to see your GP we encourage the community to consider alternative options. Many of these services are free or can be bulk-billed:
- Talk to your local pharmacist
– Priceline -101 High Street Maryborough 5460 5999
– Guardian Pharmacy – 131 High Street Maryborough 5461 1005
- Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
The free VVED provides access to care for non-life-threatening emergencies, 24 hours, seven days a week.
A doctor or nurse can provide medical advice in your home via a video call. All you need is a personal device with a camera and an internet connection vved.org.au. No referral needed.
- Nurse-on-Call
Phone 1300 60 60 24 if you want to speak to a register nurse over the phone, or need advice on whether you should seek further medical help.
Free help available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- My Emergency Doctor
For consultations with specialist emergency doctors via video call or telephone visit myemergencydr.com/westernvictoria.
Find out more information about different urgent care options at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/find-right-care.
Thank you again for your patience and support as we continue to serve our community.