With the first week of university underway across Queensland, students are being reminded they can receive medical treatment in their homes, apartments or colleges when their GP is closed.
Queensland’s largest after-hours medical service provider, House Call Doctor, treats patients from Cairns down to the Tweed, in their own homes of a night-time, on weekends and on public holidays, when doctor clinics aren’t open.
House Call Doctor General Manager James Wood said it was important students who were adjusting to living on campus or who had recently moved out, knew help was available in the after-hours.
“For students who have recently left home for university, it can difficult to know what to do when you become sick and your GP clinic is closed,” Mr Wood said.
“Many people think their only option is a hospital emergency department, and that’s simply not true. We know a third of the cases which present at Queensland emergency rooms could have been treated by a GP or after-hours doctor.
“Calling a House Call Doctor takes the strain off emergency departments and allows hospital staff to focus on treating those with life-threatening conditions.
“Our doctors are available to treat a range of illnesses, including respiratory infections, migraines, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, fall-related injuries, cuts and abrasions.”
Mr Wood said students needn’t worry about not being able to afford the service.
“House Call Doctor is 100 per cent bulk-billed for those with a Medicare card, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the majority of Australian students who use the service,” he said.
“We’re also able to provide a patient’s regular GP with medical notes from their home visit to keep them up to date with any illness and treatment they might have experienced.”
Students can book a home doctor visit via the House Call Doctor app or call 13 55 66.
