virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service

Extending access to the virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service 

Strategic priority:  What we do matters  

VirtualKIDS service patient

The virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service was extended to families across NSW in December 2023. The service utilises video conferencing to connect families with experienced clinical nurse consultants who review and determine the best course of action based on each child鈥檚 needs, while families remain in the comfort of their own home. 

By evaluating children before they get to hospital, the service ensures timely and appropriate care for children and helps relieve the pressure on our emergency departments. Two thirds of children seen by the service do not need to attend an emergency department within seven days of their call.

The service is delivered by the 星空体育 and Hunter New England Local Health District in partnership with healthdirect. 

As part of the service, specialist paediatricians also offer expert advice to clinicians in rural and regional hospitals, as well as to paramedics in non-emergency situations.  

More than 6,000 patients supported in the first 6 months of operation

85% of patients under 5 years of age

8% of patients from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander families

100,000 kms saved, equivalent to 15 tonnes of co2 helping to reduce our environmental impact.