South Australian Virtual Emergency Service

In reply to Mrs HURN (Schubert) (16 October 2025).

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised:

Discussions are underway with the South Australian Virtual Emergency Service (SAVES) to explore additional rollout opportunities, where the service requirement is aligned with community profile, and noting these are also subject to contractual processes.

SAVES currently provides contracted remote GP support to 33 regional hospitals across the state, located in:

Barossa Hills Fleurieu LHN

Kangaroo Island.

Eyre and Far North LHN

Ceduna, Cleve, Coober Pedy, Cowell, Cummins, Elliston, Kimba, Streaky Bay, Tumby Bay, Wudinna.

Yorke and Northern LHN

Balaklava, Booleroo Centre, Burra, Crystal Brook, Jamestown, Laura, Maitland, Orroroo, Peterborough, Port Broughton, Riverton, Snowtown, Yorketown.

Flinders and Upper North LHN

Hawker, Quorn, Roxby Downs.

Limestone Coast LHN

Bordertown, Keith, Kingston, Millicent, Naracoorte, Penola.

Alongside SAVES, several other virtual care models operate in regional South Australia including LHN based services such as Riverland Mallee Coorong – Country Access to Remote Emergency Support (RMC CARES) and statewide programs like the SA Virtual Care Service, which provides virtual access to medical consultants, GPs, paramedics and senior nurses daily from 8am to 10pm.

SA Health is also examining broader virtual care options, including potential 24/7 statewide models, to inform future regional and metropolitan support planning.