Clinic News

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: Phase 2a

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COVID-19 VACCINE ONLINE BOOKING

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is an approved COVID-19 general practice vaccination clinic.

Current phase of COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Phase 2a

This is a Bulk Billed service for eligible Medicare card holders only.

We stock the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine only. We do not stock the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.

On the 08/04/2021 the Australian Department of Health advised that vaccination with the COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine is now preferred over the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine for people < 50 years old.  This is because of emerging evidence of an extremely rare but serious side effect involving blood clotting following the first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.  In adults aged > 50 years old, where the benefits of protection against COVID-19 infection are likely to outweigh the risks of the side effects, the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine can be used.  People who have received the first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine with no major adverse reaction are strongly encouraged to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine as planned, including if they are < 50 years old.

Based on Department of Health advice Victoria Harbour Medical Centre will now only be accepting appointments for Phase 1a, Phase 1b and Phase 2a eligible individuals who are > 50 years old. 

The individual benefit-to-risk balance of vaccination with the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine varies with age.  The COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe to be given to people > 50 years old and remains highly effective at preventing death and severe illness among people who have contracted COVID-19.

If you eligible and < 50 years old we recommend you FIRST book an appointment with one of our GPs to discuss your options for COVID-19 vaccination.  In some situations people < 50 years old might be recommended to receive the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.

Please note that the minimum interval between a dose of the Flu vaccine (including other vaccines) and the COVID-19 vaccine is 14 days.

Click here for further digital information from the Department of Health about the COVID-19 vaccine.  You can also call 24/7 the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline on tel 1800 020 080.

If you are > 50 years old and Phase 1a, Phase 1b or Phase 2a eligible you can book in for your Dose 1 or Dose 2 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in our dedicated clinic by:

Click here to use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to see in which phase you will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being made available in Australia in phases.  These phases have been identified using public health, medical and epidemiological evidence. This mean different groups of people will get the COVID-19 vaccine at different times.  The groups are Phase 1a, Phase 1b, Phase 2a, Phase 2b and Phase 3.  You may need to provide evidence of eligibility to your vaccination provider before you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

We are currently in Phase 2a.

The Phase 2a group will include:

  • Adults aged > 50 years old.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18-49 years*.
  • Other critical and high risk workers**.

The Phase 1b group will include:

  • Elderly adults aged > 70 years old.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people > 55 years old.
  • Health care workers** not included in Phase 1a.
  • Critical and high risk workers** (eg: defence, emergency services and meat processing).
  • Adults > 18 years old with an underlying medical condition, including those with a disability***.

In Victoria, Phase 1b group will also include**:

  • Residents of high risk accommodation.
  • Household contacts of high risk Phase 1a (hotel quarantine/ports of entry/borders workers).
  • Transport workers (public transport/commercial).
  • Correctional and detention service workers.
  • Corrections clients.

* Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now preferred over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for those aged < 50 years old.

** Proof of eligibility may be required.

*** Book an appointment with one of our GPs to discuss your medical condition eligibility.  This is a Bulk Billed service under Medicare.  Eligible medical conditions may include heart disease, severe respiratory conditions, diabetes, neurological conditions, immunocompromising conditions, kidney/renal disease or blood/haematological disorders.

We are currently conducting dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinics every Tuesday and Thursday.  This will operate on an appointment system and is based on stock availability.  

Our COVID-19 vaccination clinic is available only to eligible people who hold a Medicare card.  This service is Bulk Billed.

Please download and bring your COVID-19 vaccine Consent Form to your appointment.

If you are new to our medical centre and attend for a COVID-19 vaccination, you may need to provide evidence of your eligibility (eg: medical history, occupation, age) before you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine.  This evidence can be an identification card, proof of current employment, a letter from your usual doctor, or by ensuring your My Health Record contains a current Shared Health Summary which we can access during your consultation.

We currently stock the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine. 

We do not stock the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be free for all people > 18 years old living in Australia, including:

  • all Medicare-eligible Australians
  • people currently residing in detention facilities, including those whose visas have been cancelled
  • all visa-holders, including refugees, asylum seekers, temporary protection visa holders, and those on bridging visas

While the Australian Government strongly supports vaccination, the COVID-19 is not mandatory and individuals may choose not to vaccinate.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre can only provide a COVID-19 vaccine to Medicare eligible individuals.

Due to the Australian Government current funding model, people who are not eligible for Medicare will be unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through community general practice clinics including Victoria Harbour Medical Centre.  This means vaccine access for non-Medicare card holders can only be delivered by Victorian GP Respiratory Clinics or Victorian Department of Health managed high-volume vaccination centres.  You can also call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline on 1800 020 080.

There are some things you can do to get ready for your COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Click here to find out what you should do before you get vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Click here to download a fact sheet about preparing for the COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Click here for information about side effects and after care following your COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Click here to subscribe for email updates about to the COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Book a Telehealth consultation with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns.
  • Call 24/7 the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline on tel 1800 020 080.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine has been translated into multiple languages.

Click here to find information in your language

What is this side effect that everyone is talking about associated with the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine?  There is evidence of a likely link between the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine and an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia).  The recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is that use of  COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine is now preferred over COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine in adults < 50 years old who have not already had a first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.

Is the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine safe?  Yes. The individual benefit-to-risk balance of vaccination with the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine varies with age. This balance is based on factors including the increased risk of complications from COVID-19 with increasing age and the potential lower risk of this very rare, but serious, adverse event with increasing age. ATAGI has recommended the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe to be given to people aged > 50 years old.

I have had my first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine, what do I do now?  If you have had your first vaccine dose without this side effect or other serious adverse effects, you should receive your second dose as planned.

What if I am worried about side effects?  If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, book an appointment with your doctor.

I’m booked in for my first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine, what do I do?  If you are an adult aged < 50 years old, you should only receive a first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine where the benefit of receiving the vaccine clearly outweighs the risk in your individual circumstance. You may wish to discuss your individual benefit-to-risk balance with your doctor.  Generally, if you have not already received a first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine, then the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is preferred in adults aged < 50 years old.  Information about how to receive the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine will be available on the Department of Health website shortly.  If you are > 50 years old, you can still receive the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.

COVID-19 Update

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Click here for the latest clinic news about COVID-19 on our website.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

Click here for information about the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to Australian communities in 2021.

Outbreak Alerts:

If YOU or a CLOSE CONTACT have been in, visited or travelled through a current outbreak, hot-spot or public exposure site you are NOT PERMITTED ENTRY into our medical centre.  FIRST call reception on tel (03) 9629 1414 to organise a Telehealth consultation with one of our GPs.  

Click here for current Victorian COVID-19 public exposure site and outbreak information.

Click here to view an interactive map with current national venue exposure sites.

Click here to find out about the Victorian Travel Permit System.

Testing:

Click here for a list of COVID-19 assessment and testing centres in Victoria.

Click here to find out more about The Call-to-Test service for vulnerable Victorians.  This service will enable some of our most vulnerable to get tested for COVID-19 at home with a qualified health clinician. The service will provide access for people who cannot leave home due to injury, mobility or other eligible reasons.  Call the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 675 398 and select option 4 and then option 5 to find out if you are eligible for this service.

Clink here for information about the Coronavirus worker support payment to assist Victorian workers to get tested and stay home.

Face Masks:

Click here for information about face masks.

Victoria’s Restriction Levels:

Click here for information about current restricted activity directions issued by the Victorian Department of Health.

What to do if you think you have COVID-19:

If you think you have COVID-19 or you have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 first make a Telehealth appointment with one of our GPs to find out how to get tested.

COVID-19 testing is now recommended if you feel unwell with the following symptoms:

  • fever / chills / sweats

OR

  • new onset respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell or loss of taste)

If you have any of the symptoms, however mild, STAY HOME and seek advice from your GP by a Telehealth phone consultation first to find out how to get tested. 

If you need a COVID-19 test, you must GO HOME immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive your test result.

What if I am a patient at Victoria Harbour Medical Centre?:

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all patients and staff.  We are here to help and have temporarily changed our service model to better manage your healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Whether you are worried about symptoms of COVID-19 or any other type of health problem, our GPs are still on hand to help.  We encourage you to continue consulting your regular GP for any health matter.

Safe in-person face-to-face consultations or Telehealth appointments are available.  You can make an appointment with us online or by calling the medical centre on (03) 9629 1414.  Screening questions will be asked when you book or attend an appointment.  You will always be informed of your options when you make an appointment.

We remain open for your health needs but as conditions of entry, all patients and visitors must:

  • wear a face mask
  • scan our location specific QR code to assist with contact tracing if required

If you need urgent medical care always call emergency 000 (triple zero).

If you are seeking information on COVID-19 call the Coronavirus Hotline:

Both hotlines operate 24/7 and will connect you to a registered nurse if needed.

For digital resources and daily health alerts about COVID-19 refer to:

Click here for RACGP guidelines, actions plans and a symptom diary for how to manage mild COVID-19 infection at home with the assistance from your GP.

Click here for the DHHS COVID-19 Home Safety Plan – this guide will help keep you, your family and friends safe and well.

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for translated resources.  SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.

Local Practice Receives The Mark of Quality As An Accredited Practice

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Docklands increased its community health credentials today when Victoria Harbour Medical Centre received a national award of accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety within its practice.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre received this important recognition from Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), the leading not-for-profit provider of general practice accreditation services within Australia.

AGPAL Chair, Dr Richard Choong, said accreditation shows that the practice makes a significant investment and commitment to quality on a day-to-day basis, across all levels of the practice team.

“Achieving accreditation is a major achievement for any practice and a clear demonstration that Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is striving to improve their level of care to both patients and the community,” he said.

“Practices seek accreditation because they want to do their best and view this as another step towards excellence in patient care.”

To achieve accreditation, a practice team works over a 12-month period to implement the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices. The RACGP Standards provide a recognised national benchmark for general practices and services, and a template for quality care and risk management.

The AGPAL accreditation program supports general practices across the primary healthcare sector to provide a range of minimum expectations for patients surrounding safety and care. The accreditation process involves an independent on-site assessment of the practice’s environment and their processes. Accreditation was developed jointly by AGPAL and primary health organisations and peak bodies, including the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Areas of focus during an on-site assessment for accreditation include: ensuring vaccines are within their use-by-date and stored at the correct temperatures, that the practice’s equipment is clean and sterile, practice staff are up-to-date with their training, and the practice has emergency care available.

Dr Choong said accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication between staff members.

“Everyone at the practice plays a valuable role in working to meet the RACGP Standards. It gives staff a real sense of pride to work in an AGPAL accredited practice,” added Dr Choong.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre proudly displays the AGPAL accredited symbol for all their patients to see.

“We want community members, nationwide to know that their wellbeing is our priority. By choosing to attend an AGPAL accredited practice, patients know they will get quality and safe care that meets the RACGP Standards.”

Practice Contact:
Edita Mance
03 9629 1414
EditaM@vhmc.com.au

AGPAL is the leading not-for-profit provider in general practice accreditation services; for further information on AGPAL please visit www.agpal.com.au or free call 1300 362 111.

  • AGPAL accreditation evaluates the quality and safety of the practice environment, systems and processes and patient care for more than 75 per cent of general practices who choose to undergo accreditation.
  • General practice accreditation within Australia is a voluntary process.
  • To earn accreditation, practices must have an extensive on-site review by a team of AGPAL GP Surveyors and Co-surveyors.
  • The purpose of the review is to evaluate the practice against standards set by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). To be awarded accreditation the practice must demonstrate how they meet all the standards and criteria set by the RACGP.
  • Achieving accreditation covers:
    • The safe and lawful use of practice equipment;
    • Accessibility and availability of medical care including after-hours and emergency care;
    • Staff training;
    • Information technology and information security;
    • The security and availability of your records and information.
  • AGPAL is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, governed by a board that includes general practitioners, practice managers and consumer representatives from around Australia. AGPAL assesses practices against Standards set by the RACGP.

Media Contact:
AGPAL
Emily Geering, General Manager – Marketing and Communications
(07) 3876 6370
egeering@agpal.com.au

Changes to Telehealth Fees

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Telemedicine free icon

This service is not for emergency care.  For urgent medical care call emergency 000 (Triple Zero) or go to an emergency department at a hospital.

Telehealth phone appointments with our GPs are still available.

You can book a Telehealth phone consultation online or by calling our reception team on (03) 9629 1414.

Telehealth was introduced in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  This service has now been extended to the 30th June 2021.  Telehealth consultations will continue to help regular patients of this medical centre access non-urgent but essential healthcare from their home.  This will support public health policies to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread.

Telehealth at Victoria Harbour Medical Centre:

  • 15-minute phone consultations with your GP by appointment
  • Phone calls from your GP may come from a Private Number (No Caller ID)
  • Your GP will call you as close as possible to your Telehealth appointment time
  • Your consent and identity will be confirmed by your GP before your consultation begins
  • Ensure your phone is charged and that you’re available to take the call in a quiet and private place
  • Your GP will discuss with you the most appropriate course of care and if a clinical in-person face-to-face appointment at the medical centre is needed

Common conditions appropriate for a Telehealth phone consultation include:

  • COVID-19 related health questions
  • Non-life threatening respiratory illness
  • Referral letters
  • Medical certificates
  • Discussing test results
  • Repeat prescription medication*
  • Repeat pathology investigation requests
  • Minor illness which can be managed at home
  • Routine PrEP and asymptomatic STI screening
  • Mental health consultations including mental health care plans and psychology referrals
  • Management of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, blood pressure and heart disease

* This does not include restricted Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 (Controlled Drug) prescription medications and other Drugs of Dependence.  If you are a Medicare card holder Electronic Prescriptions are now available.

Fees:

Our medical centre charges a co-payment (out of pocket) fee for all Telehealth services.  This fee will change from the 17th January 2021.  Refer to our Patient Information section on our website for a list of our Telehealth fee schedule.  Telehealth attracts a Medicare rebate only if you’ve had a face-to-face consultation with any of our GPs at our medical centre within the last 12-months.  If you don’t fit this Medicare criteria, a private non-refundable fee will apply.  This means there is no Medicare rebate.  This Medicare rule does not apply to:

  • Infants < 12 months old
  • People who are homeless
  • People who:
    • live in a COVID-19 impacted area, or
    • currently have COVID-19 or are in quarantine, or
    • are self-isolating as a close contact of someone who may have COVID-19

For more information:

Refer to this Department of Health Telehealth Fact Sheet or the RACGP Fact Sheet about Telehealth.

For 24/7 telephone support about COVID-19 call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for translated resources.  SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.

Click here for the latest information about COVID-19 on our website.

PRODUCT RECALL ALERT: Mylan PrEP

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Alphapharm Pty Ltd has advised that its Mylan PrEP formulation has now been fixed to address a previous tablet splitting issue and is now available. 

In December 2020 a product recall of all batches of Mylan PrEP (Tenofovir disoproxil maleate / Emtricitabine 300mg / 200mg tablets) was being undertaken due to the potential for broken / split tablets. 

For more information about that recall, click here.

You can also call Alphapharm customer support on 1800 274 276.

Face Masks Update

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You are required to wear a face mask when attending the medical centre

Click here for updated Department of Health information about wearing face masks in Victoria.

From 6:00pm on Friday 26th March 2021 new statewide restrictions are in effect.

For all adults and children aged 12 years or older in Victoria face masks now must be worn in the following settings:

  • on public transport
  • when riding in a taxi or ride share or tour vehicle
  • by visitors to a hospital
  • by visitors to a care facility (while indoors)
  • on flights to/from Victoria
  • at airports

Remember, you must also wear a face mask in the following situations:

  • while experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19
  • if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, or a close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19, when leaving your home or accommodation for a permitted reason, such as to seek medical care or to get tested
  • while awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test when leaving your home or accommodation for a permitted reason, such as medical care (except as part of a surveillance or other asymptomatic testing program)

It is strongly recommended you wear a face mask when at a private gathering or when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people, including outdoors.

You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to wear a mask.

There are a number of lawful reasons to not wear a face mask.

A face mask must be a cloth mask or a single-use (surgical) mask.  Face shields, bandanas, scarves or loose snoods, loose buffs or loose gaiters on their own are not considered a sufficient face covering.  A face covering must be a fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth.

For children under 12 years of age:

  • Children aged 2 years and younger: must never wear a face mask due to choking/suffocation risk
  • Children aged 3 to 11 years: families should make their own decisions about whether their children should wear a face mask in the required settings

If you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of COVID-19 you should STAY HOME and call your doctor to find out how to get tested.

For digital resources about COVID-19 and the use of face masks refer to:

For 24/7 telephone support about COVID-19 call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for translated resources.  SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.

Click here for the latest clinic news about COVID-19 on our website.

s100 HIV prescribers now available @ VHMC

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GPs Dr Christopher Kearney and Dr Damien Polioudakis are accredited s100 HIV community prescribers.

This means they are able to prescribe highly specialised HIV medication called antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Both have advanced training and experience in providing care to people at risk of HIV or people living with HIV (PLHIV).

HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment.  HIV treatments have changed dramatically over the years and can now offer PLHIV a long and healthy life.  s100 GPs play a vital role in primary and preventative health care for PLHIV.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is an inclusive health service and our GPs are committed to providing a comprehensive and confidential medical service.

We also provide PrEP and PEP consultations on an appointment system.  PrEP can be prescribed by any GP.  PEP consultations can only be provided by s100 GPs.  Do not book an online appointment for a PEP consultation.  If you think you need PEP please call and let us know you need a PEP appointment and we will always try and prioritise you or recommend referral to another PEP service.

As we a private billing medical centre, standard consultation fees apply for all services.

If you would like to transfer your HIV care to one of our s100 GPs please book a long (30 minute) appointment.

For further information about this service click here.

Electronic Prescriptions

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Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is now electronic prescription enabled.

Click here to read the RACGP fact sheet about electronic prescriptions.

An electronic prescription is an alternative to a paper prescription. If you are registered with Medicare or DVA, your GP will now be able to deliver an electronic prescription to your mobile phone via SMS or to your email.  You will receive a unique QR barcode known as a token.  A token is not a legal prescription, but it can be used by an authorised dispensing pharmacy to unlock the legal prescription. All you need to do is show your token to be scanned at your pharmacy. The pharmacy will then access your electronic prescription and dispense your medicine.  Electronic prescriptions are not mandatory.  You still have choice to receive either an electronic or a paper prescription from your GP (but not both).  Electronic prescriptions comply with all relevant Commonwealth and State and Territory privacy, digital security and legislation requirements.

Your GP can send you the electronic prescription token via SMS or email. You can also ask your GP to print out your token for you.  You will receive one token for each medicine you’re prescribed.

Yes. If your GP has prescribed any repeats for your prescription, you’ll receive a new token from the pharmacy when the medicine is dispensed. Use that new token to get your repeat prescription.

Yes. Paper prescriptions will continue to be an option if that’s your preference. However, you can’t have both a paper prescription and an electronic prescription for the same medicine. The prescription will stay in the same form until it expires. Repeats for a paper prescriptions cannot be converted to tokens.

Yes. You will always be able to choose which pharmacy you prefer to fill your prescription. Not all pharmacies accept electronic prescriptions at this time, so make sure you check with your pharmacy if they’re ready to accept electronic prescriptions.

Yes. Just like a paper prescription, you can give your token to a family member or other person to take to the pharmacy and pick up your medicines for you. You’ll need to forward the token to their mobile or email. You can also forward your token direct to your pharmacy, and the pharmacy may be able to home deliver your medicines. Contact your pharmacy to see if they offer this service.

Contact your GP if you lose your token. Your GP will need to issue you a new token.

If you lose your repeat token, contact your pharmacy to have your token reissued.

Australian Digital Health Agency

eRx Script Exchange

 

Looking After Your Mental Health

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It’s important to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

We recognise the feelings of anxiety and concerns many people may be experiencing during this time, especially for those in self-isolation or quarantine.

There are a number of ways to support your mental health during this period:

  • Book a Telehealth phone consultation with your GP for a chat.
  • Seek professional support from a counsellor/psychologist early if you’re having difficulties*.
  • Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of COVID-19.
  • Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting COVID-19.
  • Routines sound dull, but they’re good for our mental health. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower, and change your clothes. This will help you to manage your days and adjust when life starts to go back to normal.
  • Try to maintain physical activity.
  • Manage your stress levels, and if needed, increase your coping strategies (for example, listening to music, watching your favourite shows, meditation or exercise).
  • Keep taking your medication. Phone your GP or pharmacist to find out how to get any new prescriptions you may need. If you’re staying at home and that’s disrupting your routine, set reminders to take your medicine when you need to.
  • For those already managing mental health issues, continue to take any prescribed medication, continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms.

* The Australian Government will now provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions under a GP Mental Health Care Plan for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information.

There are plenty of ways to support other people, or be supported if you are feeling anxious or uncertain.

Where to go for help:

If you are experiencing an emergency always call 000.

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

  • 24/7 crisis support service for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

  • 24/7 mental health support crisis call back service.

Care in Mind 1300 096 269

  • 24/7 free online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne’s northern, central and western suburbs. This is not a crisis service.

Beyond Blue 1800 512 348

  • Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service. This is not a crisis service.

SANE 1800 18 7263

  • Services to help support those affected by complex mental health issues. This is not a crisis service.

Eheadspace 1800 650 893

  • Online and webchat support and counselling for 12-25 year olds, their family and friends. This is not a crisis service.

Mindspot 1800 61 44 34

  • Free telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. This is not a crisis service.

Brother to Brother 1800 435 799

  • 24/7 new crisis line for Aboriginal men has been set up to provide extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including elders, to promote a culturally-safe service.

For youth focused mental health and support services:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Headspace 1800 650 890

ReachOut

Orygen Digital – Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST)

For specialist areas:

Safe Steps 1800 015 188

  • 24/7 Victorian family violence support service.

1800Respect 1800 737 732

  • 24/7 confidential counselling, information and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse via phone or online chat. 

Directline 1800 888 236

  • 24/7 confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service. This is not a crisis service.

Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858

  • 24/7 free confidential online, telephone and face-to-face counselling, advice and information about gambling harm. This is not a crisis service.

MensLine 1300 78 99 78

  • 24/7 professional telephone and online support and information service for men. This is not a crisis service.

Switchboard Victoria 1800 184 527

  • Phone and web counselling, information and referral service for LGBTQI people. Web counselling through QLife Webchat. This is not a crisis service.

Head to Health

  • Digital mental health resource to support you through COVID-19. This is not a crisis service.

THIS WAY UP

  • Free online tools, practical tips and strategies to support your emotional well-being. This is not a crisis service.

Phoenix Australia

  • Useful resources to support health practitioners and community members during COVID-19. This is not a crisis service.

Victorian Department of Health

  • COVID-19 related mental health support services. This is not a crisis service.

For multilingual mental health resources:

Beyond Blue

  • Coronavirus translated mental wellbeing support service. This is not a crisis service.

Transcultural Mental Health Centre Resources

  • Several resources in multiple languages about wellbeing, stress and coping with disaster. This is not a crisis service.

Translating or interpreting:

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for COVID-19 translated resources.  SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our work in the community takes place. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


We are an inclusive medical service and support the health care needs of the LGBTIQ+ community.