1. Advice

Seek medical advice when:

• you are not sure if you need to see a health professional right away
• you need support and are not sure what to do in your situation
• you would like reassurance or practical medical advice

There are a number of 24 hour phone services for a range of needs:

• After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222 >
• Child Protection Helpline 132 111 >
• Healthdirect 1800 022 222 >   website >
• Lifeline 13 11 14 >
• Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 >
• NSW Poisons Information Centre 131 126 >
• Surgery Access Line 1800 053 456 >
• Victims Support Line 1800 633 063 >
• Youthline (02) 9633 3666 >

2. Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical attention when your illness or injury can’t wait until the morning, but it isn’t an emergency. 

First consider calling your usual doctor to find out if they offer an after hours service. Most clinics will have a message on their answering machine to advise of their after hours arrangements.

List of clinics who operate extended opening hours

Search here >

Radio Doctor Illawarra

GPH @ UOW is a financial member of the Radio Doctor Illawarra Service. This service is available to residents in the Illawarra who require after hours care. This is a bulk billed service and operates on weeknights, weekends and public holidays. A report from your consultation will be sent to your usual GP. To access this service (02) 4228 5522 

Contact details
(02) 4228 5522 >
www.radiodoctor.com.au >
 
GPs from this service are available from:

• Weekdays 7pm — 6am
• Saturdays 12 noon — Monday 6am
• All public holidays

The service accept calls one hour before operating hours and also bulk bills.

Some examples when you might visit an after hours clinic include:

• Minor injuries (cuts, wounds, muscles, joints)
• Sprain or strain
• Seasonal or respiratory illness (eg asthma)
• Treatment of open wounds
• Fever or rash
• Removal of foreign objects and splinters
• Bite or sting
• Suspected infection (respiratory, skin, intestinal etc)
• Emergency contraception device

3. Emergency

Seek emergency care for severe symptoms which require immediate attentions such as:

• Persistent or severe chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe bleeding
• Loss of consciousness

In the event of an emergency, call 000 for an ambulance.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District emergency departments 

Shellharbour hospital >
Madigan Boulevarde, Mt Warrigal
(02) 4295 2500

Wollongong hospital >
Loftus Street, Wollongong
(02) 4222 5000