Staying Safe, Supported & Connected
4 June 2026
A helpful reminder from one of our clients
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do when a health concern arises after hours, especially if you live alone and are unsure whether something is serious.
St George Community friend and client Judy, 90, recently experienced this herself after suffering severe pain from GORD late one evening.
Unsure what to do, Judy called an ambulance.
Thankfully, paramedics reassured her it was not a medical emergency and suggested she contact Healthdirect, a free 24-hour health advice service staffed by registered nurses.
Judy said she had never heard of Healthdirect before, but found the service “wonderfully helpful and reassuring.” She wanted other people in the community, particularly those living alone, to know support is available after hours.
“Sometimes you just don’t know what to do. It was very reassuring to speak with someone who could help.”
— Judy, St George Community client
Healthdirect
24-hour health advice from registered nurses
Healthdirect is a free service connecting you with registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are feeling unwell, unsure whether you should see a doctor, or need advice about what to do next, Healthdirect can help guide you.
The nurse may:
- provide advice over the phone
- recommend seeing a GP
- direct you to the nearest health service
- advise if urgent care is needed
Call Healthdirect:
1800 022 222
13SICK
After-hours home doctor visits
13SICK is an after-hours medical service that may arrange a bulk-billed doctor home visit when your regular GP is closed.
Doctors can assist with non-emergency illnesses and medical concerns that cannot wait until the next day.
This service may be suitable for:
- cold and flu symptoms
- infections
- minor illnesses
- prescription issues
- when travelling to a clinic is difficult
Call 13SICK:
13 74 25
Are your emergency contacts up to date?
Recently, staff were trying to contact the emergency nominee of a client following a fall at home, only to discover the listed contact had sadly passed away some time ago.
It was a timely reminder of how important it is to regularly review and update emergency contact details.
Please make sure:
- your emergency contacts are current
- phone numbers are correct
- your listed contact is aware they are your nominee
- medical information is up to date
Keep these numbers handy
Consider keeping important numbers:
- beside your telephone
- on the fridge
- saved in your mobile phone
- in your wallet or handbag
In an emergency, always call 000.
If you need to update your emergency contact details with St George Community, please contact our team on 9585 3000.
