What healthcare do I need?
There are many types of healthcare services and information available in Australia. Learn here how to find the right service at the right time.
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Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
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After-hours health services
Medical needs after hours don’t always require a visit to the emergency department. After hours GPs, pharmacists, dentists or counsellors can help.
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About ambulances in Australia
An ambulance provides emergency transport for sick or injured people. Learn more about when to call an ambulance, and what it will cost.
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healthdirect Symptom Checker
Not feeling well? Use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms and get advice on when to seek medical attention.
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healthdirect app
Make informed decisions about your health with healthdirect's free app. Check your symptoms, find a health service near you and get trusted health information.
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GP Urgent Care clinics in WA
Not all urgencies are emergencies. If you are in Western Australia and your injury or illness is urgent (required on the day) but non-life threatening, you can visit a GP urgent care clinic. Find clinics here.
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Rural health services
There are many lifestyle benefits to living in rural and remote Australia, but it can be challenging as some services aren’t as readily available as in the city. Being familiar with health services in your area and other online support will help you prepare for when they are needed.
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Mental health services — infographic
There are several organisations that provide much of the support and education for people with mental illness and their families and carers throughout Australia.
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Anxiety and worry - online program
Anxiety and Worry Online program from Mental Health Online is designed to help adults over 18 to understand the nature of anxiety and worry and to learn the skills and strategies that help manage anxiety and improve overall mental health and wellbeing.
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Healthy holiday tips — infographic
It’s important to think about your health as you prepare for a trip. Save and print this infographic for useful advice and what to consider.
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Beyond Now - suicide safety planning app
Lifeline's free Beyond Now app helps you prepare a safety plan to help get you through the tough times. It's at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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New South Wales rural and remote health services
Health services in rural and remote NSW might be harder to access than in urban areas, but an online search can show services in your area.
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Allied health
Allied health practitioners are trained professionals who are not doctors, dentists or nurses. Learn more about what these professionals do here.
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The role of a nurse
Nurses work with people to help prevent disease, maintain health and treat any existing health problems. Find out more about what nurses do here.
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Melancholia (melancholic depression)
Melancholia is a type of depression, sometimes referred to as melancholic depression. Read more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without needing a prescription. OT medicines can cause side effects and drug interactions.
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How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets provide information about the medicine you are taking. Find out where to get a CMI and how to use them.
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Scheduling of medicines and poisons
The scheduling of medicines is a national classification system that controls how medicines and poisons are made availiable to the public.
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Mental health where to get help
Learn how to navigate the Australian mental health system and its helpful services – and find out about any potential costs.
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Understanding the costs of mental health services
Mental health care costs can vary depending on the service you use. Learn whether you are eligible for Government rebates to assist with your costs.
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Nursing post
A nursing post is a health centre staffed by nurses or nurse practitioners with specialised training to provide medical services and emergency care.
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Angelman syndrome
A rare syndrome causing physical and intellectual disability. It can’t be cured, but some therapies can improve the quality of life of those affected.
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Emergency apps and online tools
Looking for tools and apps to help you deal with or prepare for an emergency? We've compiled a list of resources to help you when you need assistance.
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Opioid medicines and pain
Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.
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Rehabilitation after illness or injury
Rehabilitation after illness or injury aims to help you recover. Learn more about how the specialised health professionals involved can help you.
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Residential care
Find information and resources here on residential care services that provide accommodation and support for people who can no longer live at home.
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What do social workers do?
Social workers can help if you have problems with your health, finances or living situation. Find out how a social worker may be able to help you.
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Buying medicines online
Buying medicines online may seem to have advantages, but there are lots of risks too. Find out more about buying medicines online here.
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eScript (electronic prescription)
An eScript is a digital version of a paper prescription your doctor can use to prescribe you medicine. Your doctor will send it to you by SMS or email.
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