Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, have today announced the Victorian Budget 2025/26 will invest $437 million to significantly expand the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and make it permanent.
The Premier said the investment means nearly three times the number of Victorians will be able to access free, 24/7 urgent care through the Virtual ED – reducing pressure on the health system and the dedicated doctors, nurses and paramedics working within it.
Currently, the Virtual ED delivers care to more than 600 callers every day.
“We’re focused on what matters most: a health system that’s free and easy to access, a public service that you and your family can rely on,” said Premier Allan.
“The Virtual ED is a miracle. It has helped more than half a million people, and we’re almost tripling its capacity so more families can get free, 24/7, world-class health care.”
Since rolling out statewide in April 2022, the Virtual ED operated by Northen Health has provided clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment and referrals to Victorians of all ages and locations, delivering more than half a million consultations to Victorians – free of charge.
In December 2024 alone, it received almost 22,000 calls – more than the number of patients seen in many hospital EDs in an entire quarter.
In the past year, the Virtual ED has helped 83% of patients avoid an unnecessary trip to the hospital.
The service is also helping alleviate pressure on paramedics, with around 79% of patients referred by a paramedic receiving virtual care at home, freeing up paramedics to return to the road and assist patients with life-threatening emergencies.
“The Virtual ED is making it easier for Victorians everywhere to access urgent care 24/7 and taking pressure off our busy emergency departments and paramedics,” said Minister Thomas.
