Graphic: RFDS aircraft in air
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) has announced it will begin operating a weekend primary health care clinic in Thargomindah, to help meet demand and allow the community greater access to services.
The RFDS currently provides a weekly clinic in the community each Thursday but will now deliver an additional Saturday clinic each fortnight.
RFDS Doctor Charles Ellis-Hallett said the Saturday clinic, which is set to commence on 24 September, will be the first regular RFDS Saturday clinic in Queensland.
“Our Thargomindah primary health care clinic provides GP and nursing services to people living, working or travelling across the region,” Dr Ellis-Hallet said.
“Appointments are always in high demand so adding a fortnightly weekend clinic will mean we can see more patients and give people who work out of town or have other commitments during the week greater options to access health services.”
RFDS Nurse Manager Joanne Mahony said a crew from the RFDS Charleville Base will visit the community.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer this additional clinic with the support of the local health service,” Ms Mahony said.
“Our dedicated team from the Charleville Base will include a GP and primary health care nurse, who will provide a variety of services for both adults and children.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community and other health providers to deliver the finest care to patients from across the region.”
South West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director Medical Services and Clinical Governance Doctor Debra Tennett welcomed the additional RFDS clinic, which will be held at the health service’s Thargomindah Community Clinic in Dowling street.
“The launch of a Saturday clinic will have significant benefits for Thargomindah, and there will also be positive flow-on effects for the South West in general,” Dr Tennett said.
“It will enable better continuity of care using our patient record system in Thargomindah. It will also enable Cunnamulla to participate in the GP in Schools program.
“We have a long, proud and productive partnership with the RFDS and this is yet another example of their commitment to delivering healthcare in Queensland’s rural communities.”
In the past year, the RFDS has provided more than 35,000 GP and nurse clinic consultations across regional, rural, and remote Queensland.
