Frequently Asked Questions

What services are available at Barwon Health North?

Barwon Health North bridges a gap between community health services and some specialised services currently only offered in a hospital setting.

Services at Barwon Health North include:

• Urgent Care Centre 
• Renal dialysis
• X-ray and medical imaging
• Child and family services
• Healthy at Home (chronic and complex care)
• Midwives clinic

What medical imaging services can I access at Barwon Health North?

Barwon Medical Imaging (BMI) offer bulk-billed ultrasound, X-ray and CT services at Barwon Health North.

Is there a cost to be treated at Barwon Health North?

For Medicare card holders, there are no out-of-pocket expenses for services. All X-ray and medical imaging services available at Barwon Health North are bulk-billed for Medicare card holders. 

Is Barwon Health North a hospital?

Barwon Health North is a health facility. Unlike a hospital, it does not have overnight beds, operating theatres or inpatient services.  

How do I make an appointment at Barwon Health North?

For allied health services and medical imaging requests, ask your GP for a referral.

No appointment is required for the Urgent Care Centre, as this is a walk-in service.

For more information on referrals and services, call Barwon Health’s Information and Access line on 1300 715 673.

Are services still available at Barwon Health’s Corio Community Health Centre?

Corio Community Health Centre continues to provide a range of health services for the northern suburbs.

Is there a bus stop close to Barwon Health North?

There is a bus stop conveniently located outside Barwon Health North on the Princes Highway, Norlane. 

Is there free parking?

Free parking is located on site and designated pick-up and drop-off points are at the main entrance, as well as disabled parking.

What is an Urgent Care Centre?

Barwon Health North's Urgent Care Centre is a walk-in service for people with minor illnesses and injuries. Some examples of minor illness and injuries include:

• Cuts requiring stitches
• Minor burns
• Suspected broken bone or fracture and sprains
• Infections
• Minor head injuries
• Headaches or migraines
• Skin issues/rashes
• Foreign bodies in nose/ears
• Eye injuries or irritations

DO NOT PRESENT TO URGENT CARE IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS TOLD YOU TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

Do I need to make an appointment to go to Barwon Health North’s Urgent Care Centre?

No, the Urgent Care Centre is a walk-in service and people are seen in order of how sick or injured they are.

How long will I have to wait?

Waiting times will vary depending on how many people are waiting to be seen.

Are there doctors at Barwon Health North’s Urgent Care Centre?

Barwon Health North is a nurse practitioner-led service. 

Nurse practitioners at the centre have a video link to doctors at University Hospital Geelong's Emergency Department.

What is a nurse practitioner?

Nurse practitioners are highly-skilled health professionals qualified to diagnose illnesses/injuries, treat wounds including sutures, apply plaster casts, prescribe medication and treatment and make referrals. 

Can an ambulance take me to Barwon Health North?

No, Barwon Health North does not accept ambulances.

Can I be transported to University Hospital Geelong’s Emergency Department from Barwon Health North?

If your condition is serious and requires emergency care, an ambulance will be called to take you to University Hospital Geelong’s Emergency Department.

If an ambulance is called to Barwon Health North and you are not a current Ambulance Victoria member, fees may apply. Visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au for more information.