WANGARATTA'S public hospital posted an alert to social media that the emergency department was experiencing high demand on Sunday, encouraging the community to connect with the state's online emergency department service for all non-urgent treatment.
The post read: "In the case of a medical emergency, don't delay treatment - call 000 or present to our emergency department".
"If you require non-urgent medical assistance, you can connect with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department," it read.
"Their team of nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors can provide medical assistance without needing to leave your home.
"For further information or to access this service visit www.vved.org.au
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"You can also contact Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or your GP."
A Northeast Health Wangaratta spokesperson said they saw typically higher numbers for a holiday period present to the ED over the Christmas and New Year period.
"A number of these patients required admission to hospital," she said.
"Often, patients require a longer time in ED prior to transfer to the ward and this can add to the usual business of an ED.
"We are committed to providing the best care possible, even during busy times.
"We are appreciative of our community's support during periods of high demand and remind residents that non-urgent medical assistance can be accessed through Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at www.vved.org.au during these times."
Meanwhile, temperatures in Wangaratta on Saturday and Sunday were 38.8C and 39.8C respectively, with heatwave warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Rural City of Wangaratta encourages people to take necessary precautions during times of extreme heat.
Residents are urged to stay cool and remain hydrated and to check on vulnerable people during heatwave events.
These include those 65 years and over and children under five, pregnant or nursing mothers, people with disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions, or those living alone with little social contact.
