The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) is marking 30 years of mental health service delivery - today running the largest mental health service of any RFDS section and providing specialised care for people living in regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Last financial year, RFDS mental health and wellbeing teams in Far North and Western Queensland, together with the service’s team at headspace Cairns, delivered 13,415 consultations.
From a single clinician 30 years ago, the Flying Doctor’s services have grown to a team of 55 staff. RFDS’ outreach clinicians fly and drive from bases in Longreach, Charleville, Mount Isa and Cairns to communities including Lockhart River, Cooktown, Weipa, Kowanyama, Normanton, Mornington Island, Camooweal, Winton and Birdsville, often spending several days in community to provide mental health care.
RFDS (Queensland Section) General Manager - Mental Health Dr Tim Driscoll said reaching 30 years was a significant milestone for the Flying Doctor and the communities it serves.
“Over the past 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of people across regional, rural and remote Queensland through some of the most challenging periods of their lives,” Dr Driscoll said.
“It’s important work, because people in regional, rural and remote communities deserve the same opportunity to access quality mental health care as anyone else.”
“Access to services remains a challenge for many people outside major centres. Where you live should not determine your access to mental health care. For many people in regional, rural and remote Queensland, distance remains a barrier. That’s why the Flying Doctor is committed to bringing support closer to home,” he said.
The RFDS’s mental health service began in 1996, following a Commonwealth-funded feasibility study exploring projects of national significance. Once endorsed, the service was first delivered by clinical psychologist Robert Williams.
“Thirty years ago, the idea of accessing specialised mental health support in some of Queensland’s most remote locations was far less achievable than it is today.
“What began in 1996 with a single clinician delivering mental health services has grown into a multidisciplinary team providing thousands of consultations each year, working to improve access to high-quality, culturally appropriate mental health care that is responsive to the needs of people living in regional, rural and remote Queensland,” he said
Each year, approximately one in five rural and remote Australians experience a mental illness. While data suggests the rates are similar in major cities, the accessibility of mental health services significantly differs in rural and remote areas, making the services RFDS offers in Queensland vital.
Dr Driscoll said the way Queenslanders approached mental health had also shifted markedly over that time.
“While much has changed over the past three decades, one of the most encouraging shifts has been the way people talk about mental health. More Queenslanders are seeking support early, having open conversations and recognising that looking after their mental health is just as important as looking after their physical health.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of our staff and the resilience of the communities we’ve served over the past 30 years. We are proud to have worked alongside Queenslanders to support their mental health and grateful for the trust they continue to place in us.”
“As we look to the future, our focus remains on ensuring every Queenslander remains in reach of care. We are determined to keep improving access to mental health care, working towards a Queensland where everyone, wherever they live, can receive timely, high-quality and culturally appropriate care close to home,” he said.
For more information about RFDS (Queensland Section) Mental Health and Wellbeing Services visit: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/qld/what-we-do/mental-health/
