Emergency information.

Call 000 for any of the following (examples, not limited to):

• Chest pain, tightness, or pressure.
• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Signs of stroke: use the FAST test (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 000).
• Severe bleeding that won't stop with direct pressure.
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.
• Severe allergic reaction with breathing difficulty, throat tightness, or swelling of the face and lips.
• Serious injury, fracture, burn, or head injury.
• Seizure lasting more than five minutes, or first-ever seizure.
• Suicidal thoughts with a plan or means, or a suicide attempt in progress.
• Any other situation you believe is life-threatening.

Do not drive yourself or the affected person to hospital if the situation is life-threatening. Call an ambulance. Ambulance officers can begin treatment immediately and can radio ahead to the emergency department.

If you or someone in your care has been exposed to something harmful (medication overdose, chemical exposure, plant, or bite), call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Available 24 hours a day, every day. Staffed by pharmacists and toxicologists who can advise on immediate action.

For a poisoning that has caused loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, or seizure, call 000 first.

If you or someone with you is in immediate danger, call 000.

For mental health support in a crisis:

Reception at SMSG can help you access ongoing mental health support with a GP-led Mental Health Care Plan and referrals to our psychology team. This is for planned care rather than crisis support.

If your concern is not life-threatening but you need care outside our opening hours, see our After-Hours Care page. Options include the National Home Doctor Service 13 SICK and Healthdirect 1800 022 222.

If you're not sure whether your situation is an emergency, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse who can help you decide, or call 000 and the operator will assess and direct.

If you've been seen at an emergency department or by an ambulance service, book a follow-up with your usual SMSG GP within a few days. The hospital sends a discharge summary to your GP, and follow-up matters for medications, referrals, and any ongoing care.

If you don't have a usual GP at SMSG, register as a new patient and book a follow-up appointment.