Upcoming changes to after-hours primary healthcare services

The Health Access GP telehealth after-hours service, managed by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), will come to the end of its contract on 30 September 2025, with residents encouraged to use healthdirect services after that time. 

Since 2023, the Health Access service has provided after-hours GP telehealth services to the communities of Griffith, Leeton, Finley, Berrigan, Deniliquin, Moulamein, Tooleybuc, and the shires of Murrumbidgee, Carrathool, and Edward River. 

The Health Access service fulfills an important need. However, the Australian Government also funds Healthdirect Australia to provide a free After Hours GP Helpline as part of a broader range of urgent care services. 

Callers to Healthdirect service speak with a registered nurse, who will assess their symptoms and situation before recommending the most appropriate care. If a GP is needed but the caller is unable to secure an appointment with their usual doctor, a phone or video consultation with a Healthdirect virtual GP may be offered. 

Healthdirect virtual GPs are available 24/7 in all NSW postcodes. The virtual GP can provide an e-prescription via SMS and can also upload prescriptions and a call summary to the caller's My Health Record so it is available to their regular GP. 

The community is welcome to continue using the Health Access service until 30 September 2025. After that date community members should call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au 

MPHN would like to thank Local Health Advisory Committees for their support in promoting the Health Access service. With local community members now acquainted with telehealth services, we are confident of a smooth transition to Healthdirect for after-hours primary healthcare.

We understand this change may affect people who have previously used the Health Access service, and we appreciate the community’s support during this transition. MPHN will continue to work with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, local GPs and Local Health Advisory Committees to help facilitate primary healthcare in the region.

For further information on Healthdirect, please visit healthdirect.gov.au or call 1800 022 222.