If you’ve ever found yourself Googling symptoms at 10pm while your child is crying, coughing, or suddenly running a fever, you already know the panic spiral. Is this something you can manage at home? Should you wait it out? Or do you need to get in the car right now?
Virtual emergency departments are changing that moment for a lot of Australian families. Instead of guessing, parents can speak directly with qualified emergency clinicians online or over the phone and get real guidance, fast, without leaving the house.
For parents, this kind of virtual emergency care for kids offers a safer, calmer alternative to rushing out late at night to the nearest hospital, especially when you’re weighing up after hours medical care and trying to decide what’s actually necessary for your child.
Please note: If your situation is life-threatening, please call Triple Zero (000).
The catch is that not every state offers the same services, and some don’t offer a virtual emergency department at all. Here’s what parents need to know in 2025, broken down state by state, so you can save this for later and actually feel prepared.
Getting started with Virtual Emergency Care for kids
Using a virtual emergency department is intentionally simple.
You’ll need:
- A device with a camera, speaker, and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet space so you can hear clearly and focus on the assessment
While phone calls are an option, video works best for injuries, rashes, or anything that needs to be seen rather than described.
With that in mind, here’s how virtual emergency care works across Australia.
Victoria: Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
Victoria currently leads the way with the most established virtual emergency department in the country.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, commonly called VVED, is a free, 24 hour service available to all Victorians. It supports both adults and children with non-life-threatening emergencies and connects you directly with emergency doctors and nurses via video.
For many families, VVED has become the go-to option for virtual emergency care for kids, particularly when symptoms escalate outside standard clinic hours.
Families commonly use VVED for:
- Fevers
- Rashes
- Infections
- Vomiting
- Minor injuries
- Breathing concerns that are not severe
- Those “something’s not right” moments where clarity is needed, fast
Access is simple. You visit vved.org.au, answer a few questions, and wait to be connected to a clinician who can assess your child and tell you whether you can safely stay home or need in-person care.
Queensland: Virtual Emergency Care Service
Queensland offers a strong virtual urgent care option through its Virtual Emergency Care Service, often referred to as VECS.
This service is free and available seven days a week between 8am and 10pm. It’s designed for non-life-threatening illness or injury and allows clinicians to assess symptoms, provide advice, and refer families to in-person care if needed.
Unlike Victoria’s fully online entry point, Queensland families can access VECS by calling 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84. From there, you’re guided through the process and connected with appropriate care.
It’s particularly useful after hours when your regular GP is closed but the situation doesn’t feel like a full emergency department visit.
New South Wales: virtualKIDS and virtualADULTS
New South Wales offers two separate virtual urgent care pathways depending on age.
virtualKIDS is a free service that connects families with paediatric clinicians for minor illness and injury. It’s designed specifically with children in mind, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to explain symptoms or get reassurance about what’s normal.
VirtualADULTS is the equivalent service for people aged 16 and over, and is continuing to expand across the state.
Both services are accessed through HealthDirect by calling 1800 022 222. HealthDirect nurses can assess the situation and link you with the appropriate virtual care option if it’s available in your area.
Western Australia: No Current Virtual Emergency Department
Western Australia previously trialled virtual emergency services for both adults and children, but these pilots have now ended.
At the moment, WA doesn’t operate a virtual emergency department. Families can still access HealthDirect for advice, attend in-person GP Urgent Care Clinics, or visit local GPs and after-hours services, depending on availability.
South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and ACT
South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT do not currently operate virtual emergency department services.
Parents in these regions can still rely on HealthDirect for trusted medical advice, as well as Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, local GPs, and after-hours services for non-emergency care.
While it’s not the same as a full virtual ED, HealthDirect remains a solid first step when you’re unsure what to do next.
Know your options for after-hours medical care for children
When your child is unwell, clarity matters most. Virtual emergency departments offer Australian families expert guidance when it counts, making accessing after hours medical care for children feel far less overwhelming.
If you live in Victoria, Queensland or New South Wales, virtual urgent care is already there to support you. If you don’t, HealthDirect remains a trusted place to start.
Knowing where to turn ahead of time can make all the difference when emotions are high and sleep is low. This guide isn’t about replacing emergency care, but about helping parents feel less alone when making tough calls.
Save this page. You may never need it, but it’s good to know it’s here.
