RFDS and kidney health
Kidney Disease is the result of life style factors and certain other illnesses such as diabetes. RFDS General Practitioners and other health professionals, in regular clinics held in remote locations, aim to help people address lifestyle issues and treat underlying illnesses. Our doctors will refer to specialists where required.
In cases where people require emergency evacuation to access required care RFDS will transport patients.
RFDS Emergency Services
When people think of the RFDS, whether in Australia or overseas, they imagine an RFDS aircraft, manned by emergency health personnel heading to a remote destination to retrieve a critically injured or unwell patient. This core ‘Traditional Service’ activity has been occurring 24/7 since the service was first established in 1928.
An emergency call is received and an assessment made as to whether the patient needs to be evacuated and flown to the nearest appropriate hospital.
Patients are treated at the scene of pick up and during the flight by trained medical and nursing staff.
Once at the destination patients are then transferred to hospital by ambulance.
RFDS can also be involved in flying patients back to their home and then following them up through regular RFDS clinic services.
Further information on RFDS Emergency Services program can be found at the following link:
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Emergency-and-Transport-Services/
It is suggested that you look particularly at Emergency/retrieval services in Western Australia where there is comprehensive information on all aspects of this RFDS work.
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 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.
In relation to maintaining kidney health RFDS GPs will be alert for risk factors associated with kidney disease and conduct tests where appropriate. Referral to a specialist may be required. The GP will encourage a patient at risk to address lifestyle issues such as losing weight or stopping smoking.
Treatment for disease will be provided where possible, particularly for diabetes, the leading cause of kidney failure. Here the aim is to keep diabetes well controlled in order to minimise the risk of developing kidney disease. Where kidney failure occurs a patient will require dialysis which will usually be available in a major regional centre meaning patients will have to travel to receive this treatment.
For more information on RFDS GP Clinics visit:
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/General-Practice/
RFDS Health Promotion programs
RFDS Health Promotion programs address a number of lifestyle areas related to kidney health.
Relevant lifestyle issues include maintaining a healthy weight, the importance of exercise and eating healthily.
Other health promotion programs focus specifically on diabetes, increasing awareness of risk factors and ways to maintain health.
For more information on RFDS Health promotion programs visit:
Central Operations
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/HP-CO/
Queensland Section
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/HP-QLD/
Western Operations
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/RFDS-On-the-Road/