When it’s not an emergency, is ED the place to be?
From December 2024 to March 2025, Country to Coast QLD, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, and the Department of Health’s Healthcare Improvement Unit delivered a 16-week pilot of a primary care Virtual Care Pod outside Rockhampton Hospital.
The pilot gave eligible patients the opportunity to speak with a GP via video consult, supported on-site by a trained staff member. The service was well received, with patient satisfaction averaging over 80%.
The pilot has now finished.
We appreciate the strong community interest in the Virtual Care Pod pilot. While the service was time-limited and has now concluded, the insights gathered will help shape the future of virtual primary care in Central Queensland. If you have questions about virtual primary care in our region, please contact info@c2coast.org.au (optional webform, name email query)
Even though the Rockhampton Hospital pod is no longer available, there are still many ways to access timely care without visiting the Emergency Department.
Know your local care options
Rockhampton Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC)
- Located within Stockland Shopping Centre
- Walk-in and booked appointments for urgent but non-life-threatening issues
- Visit: urgentcareclinicrockhampton.com.au
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Speak with a registered nurse 24/7 for health advice
- Can connect you to services like the Virtual Emergency Department (VEC)
Virtual Emergency Department (VEC)
- Video consults with emergency clinicians from home
- Free for Medicare card holders
- Visit: metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/hospitals-services/qvh-virtual-emergency-care-service
Medicare Mental Health (formerly known as Head to Health)
- Call 1800 595 212 to speak with trained staff who can help connect you with free or low-cost mental health services
- Available Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm (except public holidays)
Visit: c2coast.org.au/medicare-mental-health - Or, visit the Rockhampton Medicare Mental Health Centre – no appointment or referral needed: c2coast.org.au/medicare-mental-health-centres/#rockhampton
Find local services
Use the Healthdirect Service Finder to find local services and available appointments near you.