Did you know that 10% of emergency room presentations across the state could have been treated by a GP? This Easter long weekend, if you have a non life-threatening illness or injury, the emergency department is not your only option.

Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, fund a variety of after hours primary healthcare services in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith local government areas. These services help local residents find medical care for non life-threatening illnesses and injuries when their usual doctor is not available.

According to Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Ms Lizz Reay, most people would prefer to see a GP rather than go to an emergency department, but many don’t know what other options are available when their usual doctor is closed. Wentworth Healthcare’s website DoctorClosed.com.au helps people to find local options.

“If you or your family needs medical assistance at night, on weekends or on public holidays, in some cases a long wait in the emergency department may not be necessary. Our Doctor Closed website allows local residents to search for a GP who is open after hours, for doctors who can make home visits or for Urgent Care Services. You can also use the online symptom checker, find pharmacies that are open, or talk to a health professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the healthdirect helpline,” said Ms Reay.

“The Doctor Closed website also has translated pages in six different languages, making the information accessible for multicultural communities,” she added.