Hospital emergency departments
A hospital emergency department (ED) provides urgent medical care. Find out why and when you might need to go to an ED, what happens when you get there, and what you need to do before leaving.
Read more
Children's hospitals
Links to trusted information about children's hospitals.
Read more
The public and private hospital systems
Choosing between a private and a public hospital can be confusing. Find out how your choices for treatment and care can differ.
Read more
Hospital discharge planning
Hospital discharge planning aims to make sure that once you leave hospital you continue to get the right healthcare from the right people. Read more.
Read more
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and you should go to hospital immediately if it happens.
Read more
Mental health services by state and territory
State and territory governments offer hospital, emergency and community mental health services. Learn about services available in your region.
Read more
Meningitis treatments
People with meningitis will usually be admitted to hospital, although some people with viral meningitis can be cared for at home with close medical supervision.
Read more
Diagnosis of psychosis
The first step in diagnosing psychosis is to see a doctor or mental health team at a hospital. Psychosis is treatable, so it’s important to seek help.
Read more
Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction will cause you serious health problems and people with bowel obstruction usually need to be treated in hospital. Find out more here.
Read more
About My Health Record
My Health Record is the national digital health record system. Learn how to share your information with doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.
Read more
What is an ambulance?
An ambulance is a vehicle equipped to provide emergency care to sick or injured people and to get them to hospital. Learn more here about how much ambulances cost and when you should call one.
Read more
Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
Read more
Recovering from ovarian cancer surgery
Many women with ovarian cancer will have major surgery and will usually stay in hospital for up to a week after surgery for ovarian cancer. Learn how to manage with ovarian cancer.
Read more
Your baby and the first few weeks
The first few weeks at home with your newborn can be an exciting but daunting time, particularly if you are new parents. Find out what care and support are available to you after you leave hospital.
Read more
After breast cancer treatment
Many women with breast cancer will have major surgery and will usually stay in hospital for up to a week after surgery for breast cancer. Learn how to manage with breast cancer.
Read more
Living with ovarian cancer
Many women with ovarian cancer will have major surgery and will usually stay in hospital for up to a week after surgery for ovarian cancer. Learn how to manage with ovarian cancer.
Read more
Hospitalisation
Trusted information about hospitalisation from leading Australian health organisations, including links to what to do when you are hospitalised.
Read more
What is a referral?
A referral is a letter from a doctor, asking a specialist (or other health professional) for a diagnosis or treatment. If you see the specialist without a referral, Medicare will not cover any of your costs.
Read more
Tasmania rural and remote health services
Tasmania's rural and isolated regions make careful planning and preparation essential to help you meet the challenge of accessing health services.
Read more
Australia’s healthcare system
The Australian healthcare system can sometimes seem confusing. This information will help you understand the types of service available.
Read more
What does a neurologist do?
A neurologist is a specialist physician who treats conditions like epilepsy that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Read more
Northern Territory rural and remote health services
NT health services support some very remote areas, so they are not always readily available. It's important to prepare for when you need help.
Read more
What does a neurosurgeon do?
Neurosurgeons, also known as brain surgeons, specialise in the surgical treatment and management of conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system.
Read more
What do paediatricians do?
Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers. They deal with illnesses and children’s physical, mental and behavioural development.
Read more
Community nursing
Trusted information about community nursing from leading Australian health organisations, including links to palliative care and costs of care.
Read more
What is a urologist?
Urologists are surgeons who specialise in treating problems of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and adrenal glands in men, women and children.
Read more
Western Australia rural and remote health services
Western Australia's vast rural and remote regions make careful planning and preparation essential to help you find health services when you need them.
Read more
What does a geriatrician do?
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who cares for people aged 65 and over. Most geriatricians are experts in dealing with people who have multiple conditions.
Read more
What is a haematologist?
A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats conditions that affect the blood – such as leukaemia and haemophilia – and the organs that make the blood.
Read more
What is an oncologist?
An oncologist investigates, diagnoses and treats people with cancer or suspected cancer. There are 3 main types: surgical, medical and radiation oncologists.
Read more
