For patients living in remote Australia, getting a vaccination, prescription or regular checkup takes a little more than driving a few kilometres to a local GP.
For patients living in remote Australia, getting a vaccination, prescription or regular checkup takes a little more than driving a few kilometres to a local GP.
More than 40 communities in SA rely on the RFDS’s regular fly-in services, or ‘bush runs’ as they’re affectionately known, for essential primary care.
Booking in for these services has just become much easier for patients, with the RFDS launching Bushlink – a dedicated online bookings platform.
Via web browser – and soon via an RFDS mobile app – Bushlink enables patients to choose from a range of RFDS health professionals, including doctors, nurses, mental health specialists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals for an upcoming bush run or clinic visit.
“Bushlink provides all-hours access for RFDS patients to book and manage their face-to-face appointments via smartphone, tablet or computer,” Primary Health Care Manager Mandy Smallacombe said.
“For new residents and workers of these remote communities, towns and pastoral stations, creating a Bushlink account and filling out a new patient form can be done in a few minutes at a time that suits them."
Today's patients are used to managing their lives online, form socialising to banking. We wanted to provide a solution that ensures no one is left behind when it comes to their health and wellbeing.
Mandy Smallacombe, RFDS
RFDS fly-in services, which regularly visit multiple outback locations in one day, are underpinned by a weighty set of logistics, equipment and resourcing.
By offering the ability to schedule appointments online, it ensures flight operations and clinic rostering can be optimised so patients receive the most effective care and treatment.
The platform has been a collaborative approach – co-designed with RFDS patients
“Bushlink is a game changer. It’s so easy having everything happen via the one platform,” Yunta resident Mel Hempel said.
“The RFDS listened to us and made sure ‘booking on behalf of others’ is a function for those who need help with technology. Bushlink then sends them confirmation by text or email directly.
“I think it’s fantastic that community were involved in design ideas and testing.”
Bushlink is currently being trialled with various outback SA communities. As the trial progresses, the platform will undergo further refinements based on user feedback, with the ultimate goal of expanding to more communities throughout 2025.
Bushlink is a bookings platform for RFDS Community Health Services in rural and remote South Australia.
Beginning 2025, Bushlink is being rolled out gradually across communities. Currently Bushlink is only available for visiting primary health clinics on our RFDS bush runs (see list below) and in the town of Yunta.
You can access RFDS Community Health Services if you are living/working in a remote* South Australian community for longer than six months.
*Remote: where you are living is more than 80 km from a hospital or general practice.
Learn more about the Flying Doctor.
