How to join a virtual care appointment
Looking for virtualKIDS instead?
This page provides information on virtual care consultations offered by our hospital outpatient services.
Specific details about the 24/7 clinical advice, education, and support service are available on the virtualKIDS page.
What you will need
Computer or smartphone
You will need a device that has a camera, speaker, and microphone. If you're not sure if your device supports Healthdirect Video Call, check the platform's system requirements.
Internet connection
Check your device has a good internet connection. Test your internet connection speed and to see if your speed is greater than 1mbps.
Web browser
Check to see if you're using a supported web browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.
If you don't have access to one or more of the above, contact the hospital service or clinic to request a telephone or face-to-face appointment instead.
Preparing for your child's appointment
After your child's appointment has been scheduled, you will be sent an email, text message or letter containing the:
- date and time of the appointment
- clinician or health worker's name
- specific weblink to connect to your Healthdirect Video Call appointment.
If your child's referral is expired or is expiring soon, you can take a few steps to provide a new referral before your child's virtual appointment.
If you need to reschedule your appointment, contact the hospital service or clinic directly.
On the day of the appointment
Ensure your child is available to attend the appointment. It is important that your healthcare provider can see them during the consultation.
Choose a quiet space
Choose a quiet and private space where you and your child are unlikely to be disturbed during the appointment. Suitable places may include your:
- living room
- kitchen
- bedroom
If attending the virtual care appointment from a local health facility, ask the staff to seat you and your child in a private space, if needed.
Scheduled time
10 minutes before the scheduled time, join the virtual appointment using the link provided. The link is contained in the SMS you were sent after the appointment was booked. You can also select the hospital service from our virtual appointment waiting room list.
Microphone & Camera access
'Allow' access to your microphone & camera, if prompted.
Virtual Waiting room
You will be placed in a virtual waiting room. The healthcare provider will be with you when they are ready.
During the appointment
- Allow a moment for the video call connection to establish.
- Introduce yourself and anyone else in the room with you.
- Inform your health provider if you are expecting another participant to join.
Tips
- Microphones are sensitive, please limit background noise and be aware of your surroundings to ensure your clinician can hear you and your child well.
- When someone speaks wait until they are finished before talking. You may cut each other off if you speak at the same time.
After the appointment
The healthcare worker will end the virtual care appointment.
If a follow up is required, before ending the virtual care appointment, the healthcare worker will inform you of the steps to be taken to book a follow up appointment.