Access Health WA

Knowing ‘where to go when’ helps you get the right care faster and reduces unnecessary stress.

Find the right service for your level of health need, with information on costs, opening hours, wait times, and your available options – online, by phone, or in person.

WA has a wide range of healthcare services, from everyday health needs to urgent medical care designed to support you and your family.

Choose the right health care near you

If it’s life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000).
If you need care today but it’s not an emergency, visiting an urgent care clinic or a GP (in person or via telehealth), or calling 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) may be faster.
If it’s a minor issue, a pharmacy or self-care may be all you need.
Not sure if you need a doctor? Call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422), or use the online symptom checker to help you decide what to do next.

Emergency department

Go to the ED for life‑threatening or urgent emergencies, such as:

chest pain or trouble breathing
severe bleeding or major injuries
sudden weakness, numbness
difficulty speaking
serious burns
severe allergic reactions.

Think: “Is this life‑threatening or very serious?” If yes, call Triple Zero (000) or go to ED immediately.

Urgent care clinic

Attend an urgent care clinic, for problems that need attention today but aren’t life‑threatening, such as:

minor fractures or sprains
cuts needing stitches
minor burns
high fever
ear, throat, or eye infections
vomiting or mild dehydration.

Think: “This can’t wait for a GP appointment, but it’s not an emergency.”

Virtual ED

You may be referred to WAVED for urgent health concerns that may not require a visit to a hospital, such as:

moderate symptoms that need urgent assessment
a condition that can be safely evaluated via video
difficulty travelling to an emergency department
symptoms that require timely clinical review but not immediate hands-on treatment.

Think: “I need care now and I’d like to speak to someone.” You may be referred to WAVED.

GP / doctor

See your GP for ongoing, non‑urgent, or routine health concerns, such as:

long‑term health conditions
mild illnesses
mental health
prescriptions and referrals
check‑ups and immunisations.

Think: “This is important, but it’s safe to wait for an appointment.”

Pharmacy

Visit a pharmacy for quick advice and treatment for minor issues, such as:

coughs, colds, sore throat
minor skin rashes
mild pain or headaches
advice on medications
over‑the‑counter treatments.

Think: “This is small and manageable with simple treatment.”

1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422)

Call for free, 24/7 health advice from a registered nurse, such as:

advice about a new or worsening symptom
advice on where to go when
caring for a child, older adult, or someone with complex needs and need guidance
need support outside your GP’s opening hours.

Think: “I need trusted health advice now – but I’m not sure where to go.”