What medical services are available for my family and me?
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Public hospitals
Public hospitals are open to people sent there by a doctor. There may be a waiting time before you can access services in a public hospital. Your family doctor, a specialist doctor or a doctor in a hospital's emergency section can arrange for a person to go to hospital. The hospital chooses the doctor who treats you in the hospital. A public hospital also serves the community through an outpatient service. This is where you can see a doctor at any time. You may have to wait a long time if your case is not an emergency.
Large hospitals are located in all state capital cities. They employ doctors to treat major illness and perform major surgery. Small hospitals are located in regional and rural parts of Australia. They have fewer facilities. They do not treat all illness or cater for all types of surgery. Some hospitals will specialise in an area of medicine and develop expertise and equipment for that area.
Private hospitals
Private hospitals exist to offer people a choice of doctor. They also provide a choice in the time that a patient can access medical services. The government regulates and licences private hospitals. Your doctor will advise you about private hospitals if you need to go to a hospital.
Ambulances
Ambulances provide urgent medical attention and transport to a hospital in an emergency. If you need an ambulance,
Telephone: 000 and ask for an ambulance.
General practitioners (GPs)
General practitioners (GPs) or 'family doctors' are doctors that see patients in the community. They diagnose and treat illness or refer a patient to a specialist. A GP has some knowledge and skill in all aspects of medicine. You may choose the GP that suits your needs. GPs often join with other GPs to provide a 24-hour service.
Specialists
A Specialist is a doctor that provides services in a specific area of medicine. They have more knowledge and skill than a GP but in a limited area. A GP must refer you to a specialist.
Community health centres
Community health centres deliver health support services and advice. Local government operate them. The services include health checks for babies and children, vaccination, health education and counselling.
Dentists
Dentists look after your teeth and oral health care. Dentists set up a practice in the community.
Medication
Medication is the treatment used for some ill health. Your doctor prescribes the medication and the local chemist sells it to you. You will find Chemist shops in most shopping centres. Supermarkets sell some basic medication that you can buy without a prescription.
Please note: It is important to read labels and instructions on medicines carefully and ask questions if unclear. For help or information about medicines, speak to a pharmacist, or contact Medicines Line
Telephone: 1300 888 763 (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm EST )
Women's health
Women's health programmes are set up to improve the quality of women's health. The programmes include health services related to childbirth. You can find out more about them at community health centres.
Vaccination / Immunisation
Vaccination programmes exist for children and aged people. They are free of charge. Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect against harmful disease. You can find out more about them at community health centres.
Aged care
Aged care allows older people to live a dignified life in safety. The care and support helps older people to stay in their homes and to remain independent for longer. Residential care provides care for those unable to continue to care for themselves.
Alternative Medicine
Australian people use alternative medicine practices as part of the overall health care offering. Health regulators accept many forms of alternative medicine.
Standards
The Australian people expect very high levels of and standards for health care. Government regulation sets and controls the standard for health care in Australia. Professional groups advise the government on health matters.