RFDS Major National Partner, Isuzu UTE Australia (Isuzu UTE), generously provide the RFDS with a fleet of D-MAX and MU-X vehicles. One of these Isuzu MU-X vehicles is utilised by the RFDS South Eastern Primary Health team based in Dubbo, to support the delivery of primary health clinics to remote communities in central and northern NSW.
Earlier this year, the Isuzu UTE team travelled to Dubbo to meet the Primary Health team and see the MU-X in action. You can check out their adventure in the My Isuzu Story video below.
Each week, the RFDS Primary Health team set off on a two-day circuit to deliver clinics in a number of remote communities along a particular route. They cover thousands of kilometres, visiting towns such as Nymagee and Gilgandra in Central NSW, Bourke and Walgett further north, and up to Grawin and Lightning Ridge near the Queensland border.
RFDS Nurse, Kerri Rothery, has been travelling to these communities for years and is passionate about connecting them with essential primary health care.
“People living in remote areas don’t always have access to health services within their communities, but we think they deserve the best healthcare, just like everyone else. If it wasn’t for these clinics, many people would have to travel hundreds of kilometres to get the help they need,” said Kerri.
RFDS Doctor, Paul Lunney, explained that the work they do is about keeping people healthy and on country. "At the clinics, the focus is on prevention and management of chronic disease, so things don’t become a bigger problem later on. Together we’re tackling diseases like diabetes, heart and lung disease. It’s critical work.”
Dr Paul said that the RFDS are always made to feel very welcome and appreciated.
“Some of our patients have incredible stories, and we’ve had the privilege of being part of their family’s lives for generations. We’re literally with people from birth to death, and everything in between. So, the bonds are pretty strong,” Dr Paul said.
The RFDS values its partnership with Isuzu UTE, because it’s helping to support the delivery of essential healthcare services to remote and rural communities across Australia.
