General Practice
RFDS General Practitioners are experienced in providing health services in a rural and remote setting and many have special interests and skills.
General practice clinics are held on a regular basis in remote locations, the frequency of visits depending on local needs. Locations range from small towns with a mixed population, to mine sites, stations and road houses, or predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The flying doctor's role includes:
- Provision of quality general medical care at remote clinic locations, including the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions and ongoing management of chronic medical problems.
- Minor surgical and screening procedures.
- Routine screening and disease prevention activities in accordance with published RACGP Standards.
- Consultation with remote area nurses and health workers in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- Liaison with Public Health Units and participation in screening and surveillance programs as requested.
- Contribution to the maintenance and review of disease registers and medical management of patients on such registers.
- Working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with other agencies and health care providers as required.
- Provision of feedback to Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia management on the adequacy of health care services, including frequency and duration of primary medical services and the nature of other health services required.
Outside the regular clinic service, primary medical care/general practice is also provided as part of remote consultations.
Medical practitioners work closely with other health professionals, both within and outside the RFDS, in order to provide the best quality care.