RFDS mental health services
The RFDS operates a range of specific mental health programs in three of its four operating sections, utilising both Commonwealth and State funding. Mental health service activities are based on community needs and include clinical service provision and community development initiatives.
In addition, a number of mental health projects have been conducted, focusing on the development of educational resources for RFDS staff, rural and remote health practitioners and the general public. Practitioner support is also available for RFDS staff.
The RFDS mental health program is continually evolving to better meet the needs of people who live in the bush.
See http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Mental-Health/ for information on RFDS mental health services in different RFDS Operating Sections.
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
RFDS GPs play a major role in the detection and management of mental health issues. The doctor, usually the first port of call for people, will often ask questions which are more general in nature and which enquire about a person’s mental wellbeing. Examples might be ‘and how are things at home?’ or ‘how are things generally for you at the moment?’
These questions are designed to detect possible challenges a person might be facing in their lives and how they are dealing with associated stresses.
If symptoms of mental health issues such as depression are detected, then the RFDS GP may commence treatment and monitor or refer to an RFDS mental health worker or other specialist mental health service if available.
For more information on RFDS GP Clinics visit:
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/General-Practice/
RFDS Emergency Services
When people think of the RFDS, whether in Australia or overseas, they imagine an RFDS aircraft, staffed 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.
Sometimes a person living remotely might be experiencing the symptoms of a mental illness which require treatment at a specialist centre, and in these circumstances RFDS can be asked to transport the person by aircraft to a mental health facility.
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.