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Role of the RFDS

RFDS General Practitioners

For patients with type 2 diabetes, RFDS General Practitioners coordinate their care. Depending on the location in Australia, there can sometimes be a team of allied health professionals available to complement the GP’s treatment. In other locations, the GP is responsible for the complete care of the patient.

RFDS GP clinics

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 RFDS management on the adequacy of health care services, including frequency and duration of primary medical services and the nature of other health services required

RFDS GPs are alert for risk factors associated with the key diseases in our communities, conduct tests where appropriate and refer to specialists where required. They also encourage patients at risk of diseases affected by lifestyle, to address lifestyle issues such as losing weight or stopping smoking. Treatment for disease is provided where possible.

Diabetes Educators are employed in RFDS Queensland.

For more information about RFDS services, visit the pages below

Where possible the RFDS will refer patients to

  • Diabetes educators
  • Dieticians
  • Podiatrists