I’m becoming a bit of an expert in accessing health services in Victoria, mostly due to the work I do. If you live in Victoria, and also to some extent anywhere else in Australia, this short listing of services you can access might come in useful.

Online Resources

What’s wrong with the Internet?
An internet search is much less reliable: some of the information might be biased against your best interests or can be quite alarming or inaccurate.
Please consider the source of the information, how recent it is, and if the website is a dedicated medical website, or is affiliated with a professional medical organisation.

Australian websites I use often

• Drugs Database Search - If you need to get more information about a medication you’re taking, speak to the doctor who prescribed it, or your nearest pharmacist.
• Find a doctor, dentist, pharmacy (VIC only) – you can even specify your location and operating hours (very useful when it’s midnight on a Saturday) or if you prefer a female doctor, click on the Services, Availability or Practitioner tabs under the search bar. Keep in mind that information might not be fully up to date, so it’s best to call ahead to check service hours and availability.
• Better Health – Great advice delivered in a calm, medically sound way.
• Child & youth health – Fantastic South Australian website. Just remember that the hotlines are for SA only.
• Abortion Help (by Marie Stopes International) – FreeCall 1800 003 707 in Australia.
• TravelDoctor.com.au Vaccine Advisor – detailed pre-trip preparation (just try not to think about how many shots you need!)

International websites I use often

• Informed Health – an evidence-based practice site: basically you get the hard facts on what works, what doesn’t and what needs more research! Wonderful if you are a scientific mind, and quite overwhelming if you’re not.
• Medline Plus – one of the best medical references I use.

Australian Phone Numbers

Victorian Phone Numbers

• Nurse on Call (24 hour) 1300 60 60 24
• Poisons Information (24 hour) 13 11 26
• Family Planning VIC 03 9257 0100 – Sexual health, emergency contraception, abortion, etc.
• Emergency Dental Info (03) 9341 1309 or contact your dentist on their emergency phone number. You might be able to find their number using the search service here.
• Housecalls, Australian Locum Medical Service 13 26 60
• Sexual Assault 1800 806 292
• Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service (24 hour) (03) 9373 0123 or 1800 015 188
• Domestic Violence Crisis Centre 1800 633 937

National Phone Numbers

• NPS Medicines Line 1300 888 763 – Independent information on your prescription, over-the-counter, and complementary (herbal/’natural’/vitamin/mineral) medicines from a pharmacist. Hours: 9am – 6pm EST Mon-Fri.
• Beyond Blue (24 hour) 1300 22 4636