virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service (UCS) is a virtual healthcare service for babies, children and young people who have urgent, unplanned health needs. 

The service is delivered by a team of NSW Health specialist paediatric nurses and doctors who safely assess and provide treatment through video consultations.

virtualKIDS UCS is designed specifically to provide urgent care for children aged up to 16 years (and their families/carers) who are located in NSW and in some border areas.

It enables families to access care faster and avoid unnecessary trips to hospital by assessing the child and determining the best care pathway and care provider based on individual needs. 

Clinicians can provide information for safe treatment and self-care at home, arrange a consultation with a virtualKIDS expert paediatrician, or refer the child to their local GP or urgent care centre. 

The virtualKIDS team will determine when Emergency Department care is required and can arrange an Ambulance if required.

Access to virtualKIDS UCS is by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. 

The Healthdirect nurse will help decide if virtualKIDS is the right way to get care for your child depending on your situation. 

virtualKIDS Acute Review (VKAR) service supports patients transitioning from hospital admission or following an ED presentation due to an acute respiratory and/or viral illness.

Providing a 24/7 clinical support to patients and their carers for up to 72 hours, the service helps facilitate earlier and safe discharge from an ED or paediatric ward with support provided to families during the acute phase of their child’s illness. 

A referral to VKAR will be given to you by the emergency or ward doctor if your child is suitable for  this service.

Audio-visual consultation is provided to monitor the children referred to evaluate their progress at home, with clinical support provided, including respiratory assessment, fever management and hydration assessment.