Flood - Murray PHN

Support for people affected by flood

The Murray PHN region has been impacted by flooding over the years. If you require support, see below for more information, resources and links.

If you cannot access your usual doctor or pharmacy, support for non-urgent medical advice is available through:
- NURSE-ON-CALL – call 1300 60 60 24 if you are in Victoria for 24/7 health advice from a registered nurse
- Victorian Virtual Emergency Department – connect to emergency doctors and nurses online, who can help to organise tests and prescriptions
- Instant consult – speak to a doctor through video call (cost).
- 24-7 MEDCARE – speak to a doctor through a phone or video call (cost).
In a life-threatening emergency always call 000.

Healthcare providers involved in your care maybe able access your important health information, including medicine details, medical conditions and pathology test results via My Health Record.

If you’re not sure where to find a health service, click here.

If you don’t have your Medicare card and need to replace it call 13 20 11.
- Head to Health – Call 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday for free mental health support
- Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support
For a list of additional and dedicated services go to Head to Health’s search page.
Never use floodwater or water that may have been compromised by floods to wash dishes or your hands, brush your teeth, make ice or baby formula.

Always wash your hands with soap and safe water after touching anything that got wet by floodwater.

Be careful if you are entering flood water if you have any wounds. Flood water can carry harmful bacteria from sewage contamination, increasing the risk of diseases such as Leptospirosis.

Trench foot, or immersion foot syndrome, is a serious condition that is a result of feet being wet for too long. Always wear shoes or gumboots in flood waters. While it is a significant condition, it is also preventable with care – be on the look out for symptoms such as cold, numb, pale, swollen or clammy feet and seek medical advice as soon as is practical.

Stagnant water can also lead to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases, so click for more details on Japanese encephalitis virus and other tips to protect yourself.
In an emergency where you are not able to reach a community pharmacy, a public hospital pharmacy might fill your prescription if they have medicines available.

If you don’t have a prescription, call your doctor and ask them to send your prescription to a pharmacist near you or provide them with a verbal request.

If you are unable to see your usual doctor, try making a telehealth appointment and have a script sent to you or your pharmacy electronically.

Your pharmacist may be able to provide additional options. For example, under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Continued Dispensing Arrangements, a pharmacist can provide one supply of eligible medicine/s (in 12 months) when there is an immediate need but it is not practical to obtain a prescription. Medicines will still need to be paid for.

If you are concerned about the safety of your medicine, contact your pharmacist or doctor, or the NPS Medicines Line 1300 633 424.
The Victorian Government Flood Recovery Website lists the various financial support packages that are available for people who have been directly affected by floods, including:
- Re-establishment assistance – for people without insurance to help with clean-up, emergency accommodation and repairs. To apply, call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 [press 9 for interpreter].
Farmers and small business
Packages available include one off clean up payments and concessional loans. Contact 13 22 15 or go to the Victorian Government website to find out more about the Personal Hardship Assistance Program.
- Emergency relief centre locations
- VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or go to the VicEmergency website for more information and to download the app
- State emergency services (SES) Victoria – including information in other languages.
- Regional emergency radio broadcasters
Extreme wet weather conditions can have a significant impact on the water quality and safety of our rivers. When flooding occurs, large amounts of debris are often found floating and submerged in all waterways. It is important residents and visitors in flood-impacted areas remain safe and avoid impacted waterways where possible.

Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Helpful resources: