North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) will close at 5pm, Friday, 22 December 2023 and reopen at 9am, Monday, 8 January 2024.
Some of our programs and services will operate at reduced capacity during this period. Please read this important information for primary care providers.
Urgent care options
Priority primary care clinics (PPCCs)
Refer to the Better Health Channel website for opening hours over the holiday period.
PPCCs partner with nearby hospital emergency departments. They provide free treatment for urgent but not life-threatening conditions. They also offer pathology and imaging services on site or nearby. (Charges may apply for these.)
PPCCs are commissioned by NWMPHN with funding from the Victorian and Australian governments. If visiting a PPCC is not an option for you, you may consider one of the services listed below.
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department will be operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the holiday period.
Visit vved.org.au to use this service.
Contacting the VVED through its website connects you to doctors and nurses, trained to assist you.
NURSE-ON-CALL
NURSE-ON-CALL will be operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the holiday period.
The service patients directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional free health advice. It is for non-emergency health advice only.
Call 1300 60 60 24.
Options for patients with respiratory symptoms
It is important to note that GP respiratory clinics have now closed. This article provides more information on the best options for patients with respiratory symptoms to seek care, including those who may need COVID-19 antiviral medication.
HealthPathways Melbourne
The HealthPathways website will remain available to assist health professionals at the point of care over the holiday period.
However, the support team will be unable to respond to any queries or access requests from 22 December 2022 to 1 January 2023. Normal service will resume 2 January 2023.
NWMPHN mental health services
CAREinMIND™
NWMPHN’s referral and access team will continue to process CAREinMIND referrals on business days between 25 December 2023 and 5 January 2023.
Please note that processing may take a little longer than usual over this period. The team can be reached on 03 9088 4277 between 9am and 5pm on business days.
Head to Health
The Head to Health intake team will be available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm (except public holidays) to connect people with the right mental health support.
Call 1800 595 212 or visit headtohealth.gov.au
Other mental health support options over the holidays
If you or someone with you know needs immediate help – or are at risk of self-harm or harm to others, call 000.
Health professionals can use the mental health pages on HealthPathways Melbourne to find clinical and referral information at the point of care.
Other services available during the holiday period are:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Mensline: 1300 789 978
- eheadspace (12-15 year-olds):- eheadspace.org.au or 1800 650 890
- CAREinMIND Wellbeing Support Service: careinmind.com.au or 1300 096 269
- Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563
- QLife: 1800 184 527
