Since the free 24-hour Healthdirect Australia hotline was established in 2008, 4387 people from Orange have called seeking medical advice with 61 per cent, or 2676 callers, made by women.

Medical advisor for the National Health Centre that manages Healthdirect Australia, Dr Jenny Bartlett, said the service was particularly helpful for new mothers.

“A lot of new mums find it reassuring to speak to a registered nurse when they’re not sure what to do,” she said.

Registered nurses offer non-urgent health information and advice according to Dr Bartlett that can help people to decide whether their medical issue can wait to see a GP or they should go to hospital.

“Minor aliments like coughs, colds, vomiting, some headaches can probably be managed with a bit of reassurance and home care,” she said.

Dr Bartlett said the registered nurses who answered the phone could also seek specific advice from GPs for more acute medical issues.

Children also regularly call the hotline with 32 per cent of child callers in Orange aged under five years, according to data provided by Healthdirect Australia.

Western NSW Local Health District were contacted to comment on any impact in patient numbers at Orange Base Hospital emergency department since the introduction of this hotline. They were unavailable for an interview but did provide the following written response.

“Healthdirect Australia helps direct callers to the healthcare most appropriate to their needs,” the statement said. “This may be the nearest emergency department, their general practitioner or other healthcare professional,” the statement said. “For a medical emergency, people should always call triple zero (000).”

For free 24-hour non-urgent health information and advice contact 1800 022 222. Calls are free from land lines only.

nadine.morton@ruralpress.com