Virtual Emergency Care Service can help your patients avoid waiting in an Emergency Department

Queensland Health has developed the Virtual Emergency Care Service (VECS) to give primary healthcare providers access to specialist emergency medicine (EM) advice, by telephone or video conferencing, with a senior EM physician.

It is a safe, fast and efficient way for you to consult with an emergency physician and use real-time technology to align treatment and ongoing services for your patient.

About the Virtual Emergency Care Service (VECS)

The service operates 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week, and is available to GPs across Queensland. The service's EM physicians can assist with advice and support either as a consultation about a patient or a joint consultation with a patient via video-call.

This service is intended to be an adjunct when required to support with:

• investigation and management suggestions
• facilitate access to community services such as Hospital in the home (HiTH) or hospital Rapid Access Outpatient Services.

Important note: The VECS is not intended to be used for patients experiencing a life-threatening emergency. In an emergency, call triple zero (000) and request Ambulance Services for your patient.

Read more in the metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/vecs-gp-factsheet.pdf

How to access the service

1. Call 1300 847 833 between 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

2. You will be connected directly to a senior emergency nurse who will rapidly triage your call. Have the following information ready:

   • clinician’s name and phone number
   • an email or other link if you require video consultation
   • patient’s name, date of birth, hospital number (if available) and brief description of the problem.

3. You will then be connected directly to an EM specialist.

This number is for clinician-use only. Consumers may access the service from home via Healthdirect's online symptom checker or by referral from 13HEALTH (13 43 25 83).

More emergency medicine information for primary care workers

• Further information can be found on the VECS (clinician service) webpage: metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/refer-your-patient/vecs-clinician

• View the HealthPathways emergency assessment page https://brisbanesouth.communityhealthpathways.org/183446.htm

• Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer your patients free, walk-in care, 7 days a week for urgent conditions that don’t require treatment in an Emergency Department. Learn more about Medicare Urgent Care Clinics on our website.