- Virtual emergency care for children now available seven days
- Families can access urgent paediatric care from home via 1800MEDICARE
- Service means children can stay home safely and avoid a trip to hospital
Western Australian families can now access urgent care from home, every day of the week, with the WA Virtual Emergency Department (WAVED) service for children expanding to a seven-day model.
Since launching last year, WAVEDKids has consulted with more than 1,250 children, giving families fast access to senior emergency clinicians without needing to attend hospital.
The service has delivered very positive outcomes, with 88 per cent of children able to safely receive care at home.
The expansion of the service means families can now access expert advice and assessment any day of the week, improving flexibility and helping reduce pressure on emergency departments.
WAVEDKids is available State-wide, including in regional and remote communities, and forms part of the Cook Labor Government's broader investment in virtual care, ensuring all Western Australians have access to the healthcare they need, when they need it.
WAVED for adults continues to operate daily from 8am to 10pm, providing virtual consultations with experienced emergency clinicians.
Western Australians can access WAVEDKids by calling 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422), with children being referred to the service when clinically appropriate.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Expanding WAVEDKids to seven days a week is a significant step forward in how we deliver urgent care to families across Western Australia.
"This service makes it easier for parents and carers to get timely medical advice for their children, without the need to travel or wait in an emergency department.
"We've already seen strong demand and excellent outcomes, with most children able to be safely treated at home.
"We will continue to invest in innovative models of care like WAVEDKids to meet the growing needs of our community."
