The service reviewed its fees – previously charged for non-emergency presentations – in response to community feedback and a state government review of country hospitals.

Health service chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the service would no longer charge a $10 to $15 fee for people who attended its urgent care centre at Nhill Hospital or its primary care centres at Kaniva, Rainbow, Jeparit and Rupanyup hospitals.

“Since my appointment as chief executive in March, a key early priority has been to thoroughly review all of the services provided by West Wimmera Health Service, including their accessibility, safety, effectiveness and, of course, how they are funded,” he said.

“Having now reviewed our urgent care and primary care services, the decision was taken last week to immediately cease charging an attendance fee. The fee did help to meet some of the costs associated with these services.

“But ultimately community care – and in particular, access to the right services at the right time – must take precedence.”

Mr Dodds said the service would help anyone in need, but said it was important people understood the urgent care and primary care centres’ roles.

“Our urgent care centre at the Nhill Hospital and our primary care centres at the Jeparit, Kaniva, Rainbow and Rupanyup hospitals are primarily designed to help stabilise and – in rare cases – resuscitate people in need of urgent care,” he said.

“If you feel unwell, you can contact your general practitioner or medical clinic. After hours and on weekends and public holidays people can also contact the NURSE-ON-CALL service by phoning 1300 606 024.

“However, if you think your situation is an emergency, please always call Triple Zero in the first instance.”

Mr Dodds said West Wimmera Health Service provided a range of non-emergency services.

“For example, anyone who needs to have bandages and dressings changed – or pathology tests where a local GP is not available – can contact our community health and district nurses to make an appointment either at one of our hospitals and health centres or, in some cases, also at home,” he said.

Mr Dodds said people could call 5391 4267 to do this.