Emergency Department

The BRHS Emergency Department (ED) is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The ED is for patients who need emergency care for serious and life-threatening conditions. Please use the service carefully so it can best support those who need it most.

If you are seriously ill or have a life-threatening condition, do not hesitate to phone 000 for an ambulance or come to the ED immediately.

However, there are a range of other services available if you need medical care but your issue is not serious or life-threatening. Some of these options are available via telephone or online from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you might be.

You can find all the alternatives to ED care on our Emergency Department page.

Other BRHS services

Services Continuing as Normal

Several services will continue operating, including:

• Aged Care
• Home Based Nursing
• Acute inpatient allied health services, with support available through treating teams
• Medical Imaging, closed on public holidays and weekends.
• Pathology, closed on public holidays and weekends

Services with Reduced Hours or Temporary Closures

Between 23 December 2025 and early January 2026, some community-based services will be closed or run with reduced staff, including:

• Women’s Health and Breast Care Nursing

• Planned Activity Groups (Bairnsdale and Outreach)

• Allied Health outpatient clinics (including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Podiatry)

• Oral Health clinics on public holidays

• Pain Management Clinic (reduced service 29–31 December)

Where services are reduced, urgent and priority cases will continue to be managed, and patients will be redirected appropriately.

What to Do If You Need Care

If you need assistance during this period:

• Speak with your GP for non-urgent concerns

• Attend the Emergency Department if your condition is urgent or worsening

• Inpatients should speak with their treating nurse or doctor, who can arrange referrals

All current patients impacted by closures will receive direct communication outlining alternative arrangements.

Planning Ahead

If you have an upcoming appointment or ongoing treatment:

• Please check your appointment details carefully

• Make sure you know who to contact if your needs change

• Plan prescription renewals and referrals in advance where possible

We thank our community for their patience and understanding over the holiday period. Our teams remain committed to providing safe, compassionate care — even during our busiest time of year.