Healthdirect: Building confidence in virtual care
At a glance
24/7 healthdirect services available, including nurse triage and virtual GP consultations
Around 100 bulk-billed weekday appointments available through the Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service
Virtual healthcare continues to help Murrumbidgee residents access the right care when and where they need it.
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) strengthened its partnership with healthdirect Australia and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to increase awareness and use of virtual care across the region.
In September 2025, nearly 100 Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) members attended a regional LHAC Forum hosted by MLHD and MPHN in Wagga Wagga. Healthdirect representatives outlined how the organisation's free services – including 24/7 nurse triage and virtual GP consultations – help people find appropriate care, often without needing to visit an emergency department.
The partnership also supports more connected local care. People seeking urgent, non-life-threatening treatment can call healthdirect (now 1800MEDICARE) for assessment and, where appropriate, be connected to services including the Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service.
By building awareness of virtual care and confidence in accessing it, MPHN is helping communities navigate their options and strengthening connections between primary care, virtual services and the broader health system.
Healthdirect is also known nationally as 1800MEDICARE.
Image from the Wagga event/visit