Choose the Right Care for you

Information provided is for adults over 17 years of age and conditions listed are examples only. Find information for children.

For milder conditions, try self-care. Bandages and over-the-counter medications are available from your local pharmacy, for free health advice visit healthdirect. Get well soon.

Pharmacists can help with many everyday, persistent conditions, and provide certificates of leave. To speak to someone discreetly, pop into your local pharmacy.

If you need a referral to a specialist or a prescription, your local GP can help.

If something is clearly seriously wrong, dial 000 immediately, or visit your local emergency department.

  1. See a GP if your cut is deep, near the eye, you develop a temperature, increased pain or swelling or the wound is contaminated with soil or saliva.
  2. If your diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days, is particularly painful, an unusual colour (green, yellow, black or bloody), or you have other symptoms like nausea or fever, visit your GP.
  3. If you suspect bronchitis, whooping cough or asthma, or have additional symptoms such as wheezing, or coughing up blood, visit your GP.
  4. If your sore throat persists longer than 5 days, you experience swelling or ulcers, visit your GP.

Still not sure?

Try the easy to use
Symptom Checker Tool

Check symptoms

If you're unsure about the right care for you call
healthdirect on 1800 022 222

Did you know?

Nearly a half (47%) of all visits to emergency departments could potentially be treated by other healthcare providers. Finding the right care for your condition, means that you get the best treatment. It allows busy emergency departments to help people who need it the most.

Children

The information provided here was prepared for adults over 17 years of age.


For health advice for a baby, child, or pregnancy visit Pregnancy, Birth and Baby or Sydney Children's Hospitals Network.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

To find your local service visit the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council.

​​​
Current as at: Thursday 22 November 2018
Contact page owner: Strategic Communications and Engagement