Central Darling Shire says the restrictions will remain in place until drought conditions improve.

The NSW Government has expanded a new free virtual healthcare service to residents in Western and Far West NSW.

Residents will be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions, right from the comfort of their own home.

“We know that the added challenge of accessing healthcare in our part of the world is distance, and this service may provide another way for patients to access care safely in the comfort of their own home,” Member for Barwon Roy Bulter MP said.

“It should not be meant to replace face to face attention from a medical practitioner, but looks to take some of the pressure off emergency departments and other overstressed sectors of our health workforce.

“It will allow people with relatively minor ailments to seek free medical attention or be provided sound advice on whether to seek further help in person.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said while it would not replace in-person care, the new service would be a ‘useful tool.’

“Virtual health should never be a substitute for in-person health care, but virtual health can be a useful tool to address some health needs in rural communities,” Ms Dalton said.

“This service will help address some medical issues in a timely fashion and that’s a good thing.

“As part of a wider commitment to rural health, this free virtual healthcare service will be of benefit to the people of rural NSW.”

This virtual care service will provide care for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries including coughs, colds, fevers and flu, respiratory symptoms, vomiting and diarrhoea or minor infections and rashes.

The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged 16 years and older.

You can access this service by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where patients will first speak to a registered nurse who will assess your condition, and if appropriate, refer you to the virtual care service.

The service uses video conferencing technology to connect patients with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses, where clinically appropriate.

The NSW Government says virtual care forms part of a broader range of measures to relieve pressure on the state’s busy emergency departments, including $100 million investment for a further two years to continue our urgent care services, providing a pathway to care outside hospital for an estimated 114,000 patients, and $70 million over four years reduce emergency wait times.​