Between November and January can be a busy time for many people, and while we hope it’s filled with rest and celebration, it’s also important to know where and how to access medical care if you need it. From GP availability to after-hours services and urgent care clinics, here’s what you need to know about how to see a doctor over the holidays.
Holiday Medical Care Hours at Kardinia Health
Kardinia Health will continue to offer accessible holiday medical care during our usual opening hours, with some changes across public holidays.
Public Holiday Closures:
- Closing at 12.30pm on Christmas Eve (24th Dec)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
- Boxing Day (26 December)
- Closing at 12.30pm on New Years Eve (31st Dec)
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
Regular hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Pharmacy hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Pathology:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
- Closed weekends and public holidays
When the clinic is closed, you still have access to holiday medical care through a range of after-hours services across the region.
After-Hours Holiday Medical Care
If you need non-urgent medical care when the clinic is closed, these services can help:
- 13SICK (13 74 25): The National Home Doctor Service provides bulk-billed, after-hours home visits for Medicare card holders. Available after 6pm on weekdays, 12pm Saturdays, and all-day Sunday and public holidays.
- Nurse-on-Call (1300 60 60 24): Get advice from a registered nurse 24/7 for any health concerns.
- Victorian Virtual Emergency Department: Access urgent care online for non-life-threatening emergencies via their website.
- Medicare Urgent Care Clinics: Walk-in care for urgent but non-emergency needs. Available 7 days a week, including public holidays.
Where to Go for Urgent Care in the Region
For non-life-threatening issues that need prompt attention, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer convenient holiday medical care without the need for an appointment.
- Barwon Health North Urgent Care (Norlane): 10am–9pm, 7 days, bulk billed.
- Geelong Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Belmont): 7:30am–9:30pm daily, no appointment needed.
- Colac Area Health Urgent Care: Open 24/7, bulk billed.
- Great Ocean Road Urgent Care (Lorne): Open 24/7, bulk billed.
Private hospitals in Geelong also provide emergency departments, but out-of-pocket fees apply:
- St John of God Geelong Hospital: 7am–10pm daily
- Epworth Geelong: 24/7 emergency care
When to Call Triple Zero (000)
Always call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if someone is experiencing:
- Severe or crushing chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or turning blue
- Loss of consciousness or seizures
- Sudden weakness, facial drooping or inability to speak
- Severe bleeding or trauma
Urgent Care or Doctor: What’s the Difference?
If you’re unsure whether to see your doctor or visit urgent care, consider:
- See your GP for medication scripts, mild infections, chronic condition management, or follow-up care.
- Go to urgent care if you need stitches, or are experiencing minor fractures, fever, vomiting, burns, or infections that can’t wait but aren’t emergencies.
For advice, Nurse-on-Call can help guide you on where to go based on your symptoms.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Kardinia Health, we know it can be stressful seeking medical help over the break. If you’re planning time away or want to check in with your health team before the new year, we encourage you to book an appointment ahead of time.
Your health and wellbeing remain our priority this festive season.
