WA Virtual Emergency Department
The WA Virtual Emergency Department (WAVED) connects patients with experienced emergency clinicians for virtual medical assessments and referrals to the care they need in the community, at home, or hospital rather than waiting in an emergency department (ED).
By providing clinically appropriate alternative care options, WAVED is helping alleviate system pressures by reducing the use of ambulances and EDs without compromising care.
Current WAVED patient criteria:
- referred through an appropriate referral pathway
- over 16 years of age
- located in the Perth metropolitan or greater Bunbury areas
- access to a device with video call capability and internet connection.
General public
WAVED service for Healthdirect
8:00am-10:00pm, 7 days
Callers to the
Healthdirect helpline (external site) on 1800 022 222, who would otherwise be advised to self present to an emergency department may instead be offered a virtual consultation through WAVED if they are in the Perth metropolitan or greater Bunbury areas.
The WAVED service is available 8:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week for patients 16 years and over with low urgency conditions.
WAVED service for ambulance
8:00am-8:00pm, 7 days
When a St John WA (SJWA) ambulance crew attends a triple zero (000) call-out, they may determine that the patient is suitable for a virtual (telehealth) assessment by an ED physician, rather than being immediately transported to a physical ED. When this occurs, the SJWA crew will initiate a referral to WAVED and assist the patient to participate in a virtual consultation using a SJWA device.
Depending on their individual healthcare needs, the patient may be provided with clinical advice, electronic prescription and/or referral to services that will support their care in the community. If the WAVED ED physician determines that the patient needs to attend a physical ED, this will be coordinated by the SJWA ambulance crew.
The WAVED service is available 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days per week for patients 16 years and over with low urgency conditions.
Residential aged care
Staff from residential aged care homes requesting emergency care for residents via a triple zero (000) call were the first cohort to use WAVED for a virtual consultation where it was deemed clinically suitable.
Residents of aged care homes in the Perth metropolitan area were selected for the WAVED proof of concept because the research shows that frail older people are more likely to experience harm from a hospital visit.
Feedback
Feedback on your experience with WAVED (as a patient, family member, carer or aged care staff member) is welcomed to assist with continued service improvement.
Feedback can be provided through an online WAVED survey (external site).
Last reviewed: 06-05-2025