Out of Hours Care
13 Sick Service
Outside of normal practice opening hours, call the 13SICK service on 13 7425
If needed, their large team of doctors will visit you at home and provide bulk-billed services to all Medicare and Gold DVA card holders. This service is accredited under the standards of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
GP Access
Call GP Access on 1300 130 147
This service is manned by Registered Nurses who can offer advice and book telehealth consultations and face-to-face appointments, with a doctor, if necessary. Services are bulk-billed for all eligible consultations. Face-to-face services operate out of the following locations: John Hunter Hospital, Calvery Mater Hospital, Maitland Hospital, Belmont Hospital and Westlakes Community Health Center.
Options for out of hours access to healthcare
13SICK Service - call 13 7425. Home Consultations. Bulk-billed service for all Medicare and DVA Gold card holders.
Healthdirect - 24/7 health information, advice and referral for all Australians.
Medical Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) - Cessnock, Tamworth, Umina, Lake Haven, Charlestown. Short-term, episodic care for non-life threatening conditions e.g. minor fractures, sprains, minor infections, respiratory illnesses, mild burns, stomach pains, urinary tract infections. Booked or walk-in appointments available.
Private Urgent Care Clinics - Tuggerah, Gosford, Maitland, Newcastle. Fee-based UCCs, providing an alternative to the ED for those needing immediate attention of an acute illness or injury. Booked or walk-in appointments available.
After Hours Services (GP Access) - John Hunter Hospital, Maitland Clinic, Belmont Clinic, Calvary Mater Clinic, Westlakes Community Health Centre, Toronto.
Crisis Support - any of the 24/7 crisis support helplines
Emergency - Triple Zero (000) for ambulance, police, or fire services in an emergency. Only call if the situation is serious or urgent.