Needing medical help or advice? There are plenty of care options available to support you.
If you are seriously injured, seriously unwell or have a life-threatening medical emergency, you should visit a hospital emergency department or call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Examples of medical emergencies include sudden collapse, chest pressure or pain lasting more than 10 minutes, breathing difficulty and uncontrollable bleeding.
Following this advice will ensure those who need emergency medical care can receive it by saving ambulances and emergency departments for saving lives.
For non-urgent medical advice, there are lots of care options available:
Feeling unwell? Not sure what to do? Call healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect to access their symptom checker. healthdirect provides free, trusted health information and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A local pharmacy is a good option if you are experiencing an upset stomach, a bite, sting or sprain. You can purchase masks and rapid antigen tests so you are prepared if you do experience COVID-19 symptoms, along with other medications you may need. Find your local pharmacy.
Visiting a doctor if a good option if you need a prescription for medication, including PrEP, or if you are experiencing gastro, chronic pain or other health concerns that need medical management. You should also visit a doctor if you test positive to COVID-19 and you are at higher risk of severe illness. If you are visiting NSW from another country, fees will apply to see a doctor.
For sexual health care and advice, there are lots of care options available:
Call 1800 451 624 between 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday for sexual health information and referrals.
SHIL is the first point of contact for the community and for health professionals for information about sexual health. SHIL provides free, non-judgemental sexual health information and referral to sexual health services across NSW. SHIL provides specialist clinical support to health professionals who are treating clients with sexual health issues.
You can call SHIL anonymously if you have STI symptoms, for STI and HIV testing locations or if you need access to condoms. You can call SHIL if you have mpox symptoms, if you have been exposed to mpox and for information on mpox vaccination.
There are many sexual health clinics available throughout NSW. It is free to visit a publicly funded sexual health clinic in NSW. Find your local sexual health clinic and contact them to book an appointment near you. SHIL can also help you find your nearest sexual health clinic and support you to book an appointment.
Call (02) 9206 2000.
a[TEST] is a fast, free and confidential rapid HIV and STI testing service for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, regardless of HIV status. Peer educators and nursing staff provide a friendly, welcoming and professional testing experience. Appointments only take around 30 minutes, including getting the result of your rapid HIV test.
You can find a[TEST] in two locations across Sydney: Oxford St (Darlinghurst) and Surry Hills. Head to a[TEST] to find out more and to book an appointment.
Do you need medical care or advice?
