- Published:
- Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 9:47 am
Getting the care you need for ADHD can be hard enough.
Trying to urgently replace a lost, expired or depleted prescription can be even harder.
That’s why the Allan Labor Government is making it faster, easier and cheaper to get a top-up prescription for ADHD – through the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (Virtual ED).
It’s another step further to save Victorians time and money when accessing care for ADHD.
How it works
Suddenly stopping your ADHD medication can pose real risks.
Under this change, if someone with an existing ADHD diagnosis needs a new prescription urgently and can’t see their regular doctor, they can dial into the Virtual ED and have an online consultation.
The Virtual ED is free.
The doctor will verify their current medication and dosage and provide clinical support, with the prescription being sent directly to their local pharmacy.
The one-off refill will be at least 30 days and up to six months, at the discretion of the clinician.
That period of time gives people a supply of medication to cover them until they see their paediatrician, psychiatrist – or under our new change announced yesterday – their usual GP.
This starts in September for adults and children six and over with an existing ADHD diagnosis and treatment plan.
It’s a new approach for the Virtual ED, because this is a Government that’s trying new things to make health care work for families.
Yesterday, Bronwyn told us how she had to keep her boy home from school when he couldn’t access medication.
No one should be left in that situation because they can’t secure or afford an appointment.
Yesterday, we also announced that we were changing the system so GPs can diagnose and prescribe for ADHD – saving Victorian families time and money.
Labor is making health care easier for families to access, and building a system that understands them.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“No adult or child with ADHD should be left without essential medication when they need it.”
“This is about making the system work for busy Victorian families, not the other way around.”
“Only Labor has new solutions to make life easier, safer and more affordable.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“The VVED is already helping thousands of Victorians access emergency care from home and now it can help those who need urgent ADHD medication, so they’re not left without the treatment they rely on.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
“To go suddenly without ADHD medication can cause risks to your care and your daily life. This is just one small way we can help families avoid that risk.”