South Australians who are unsure where to turn when they feel unwell will have greater access to free, round-the-clock health advice, with additional funding announced for the national 1800MEDICARE service.
The nurse-led service, available on 1800 633 422, provides health information, advice and referrals 24 hours a day.
The South Australian Government is investing $5.6 million in the service during 2026-27, including a $2 million funding boost aimed at increasing access across the state.
The service is designed to help people determine the most appropriate place to seek care, particularly after hours and in regional communities.
People who are feeling unwell, caring for someone else or unsure whether medical attention is needed can call and speak directly with a registered nurse.
Depending on a caller’s symptoms, nurses can recommend self-care or connect them with services including a GP, Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, pharmacy, virtual care provider, local health service or emergency department where required.
South Australian callers can also be referred to the State Government’s Virtual Care Service, which provides emergency specialist care without requiring patients to visit an emergency department.
For people needing GP care after hours, a nurse can also arrange a telehealth consultation with a Healthdirect GP.
Acting Minister for Health and Wellbeing Joe Szakacs said, “Providing alternative options for South Australians rather than them showing up at the emergency department when they don’t need to, means patients at hospitals being seen sooner and people ramped for less time in ambulances.”
The expansion is also aimed at easing pressure on hospitals by helping redirect people with non-acute health issues to other care pathways.
SA Health Acting Deputy Chief Executive David Morris added, “1800MEDICARE will help redirect people with non-acute health issues from the emergency department and to alternative pathways that best suit their needs.
“We’ll be closely monitoring its roll-out to see whether call volumes and ED diversions increase.”
The Federal Government is investing more than $200 million in 1800MEDICARE nationally alongside states and territories.
In an emergency, people should still call Triple Zero (000).
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