- New Access Health WA website to inform the public about health care options and aid navigation of the system
- Website supported by State-wide public awareness campaign 'Where To Go When'
- 3 in 10 West Australians are unsure of the range of healthcare options available
- This is part of Cook Government $140 million Winter Strategy 2026 to prepare WA's public health system ahead of peak season
The Cook Government has launched Access Health WA - a new website making it easier for Western Australians to access the healthcare they need, when they need it.
WA has more healthcare choices than ever before. Access Health WA is designed to ensure all those options are in one accessible location.
The campaign will drive people to the new website where they can explore a range of healthcare options, including:
- Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs), including 14 bulk billed Medicare clinics providing free treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions. Research shows 80 per cent of people would use a UCC if they knew more about them;
- WA's Virtual Emergency Department for adults and children, with specialist doctors and nurses available via a secure video call when referred;
- General Practitioners (GPs) with an increase in bulk-billing practices, extended operating hours;
- expanded scope of practice for pharmacists, including prescribing for urinary tract infections and oral contraception resupply; and
- 1800MEDICARE service, replacing Healthdirect, as the go to 24/7 free telephone helpline.
The one-stop website will launch alongside a new information campaign - 'Where To Go When' - and will include advertising in television, cinemas, out-of-home locations, press, radio, and social media - directing people to explore their options on the new website.
To visit the website, click the following link: www.access.health.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Providing information about the range of healthcare choices available means people can access the medical treatment they need, when they need it."
"The new Access Health WA website empowers our community with the information they need to choose the right care option for them and their families.
"The expansion of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in WA means more people can access local and free treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions such as minor burns and sprains.
"WA has more healthcare choices than ever before; we have expanded the WA Virtual Emergency Department, we're making additional treatments available from trained pharmacists."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Western Australians have access to a wider variety of healthcare options than ever before, and it's important that we ensure everyone is aware of them through this easy-to-use website.
"The new Access Health WA website provides clear information and easy tools to help people navigate the healthsystem and choose the most convenient and appropriate care for their health needs.
"There are a growing number of healthcare options available in our communities, close to where people live, and this website will help link Western Australians to those services.
"If you're unsure about a symptom, need guidance after hours, or want help deciding what to do next, head to www.access.health.wa.gov.au to find the right option for you."
