Royal Flying Doctor Service new rural primary health provider in south

People with chronic health conditions living in three southern Tasmanian communities – the Huon Valley, Tasman and Bruny Island – will be able to access allied health services from the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania by early 2019.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service will support locals with chronic congestive heart disease, chronic musculoskeletal conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic obstructive airways disease under Primary Health Tasmania’s rural primary health program.

Huon Regional Care previously provided these services in the area and will now work with Royal Flying Doctor Service and Primary Health Tasmania to ensure the smooth transition of those currently receiving care.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service – which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year – has a strong track record of improving the health of rural Tasmanians and already provides locally based primary healthcare services under this program in the state’s north.

“We have been serving rural and remote areas of Tasmania since 1960 and pride ourselves on the strong working relationships we build with local residents, general practice and other primary healthcare providers,” Royal Flying Doctor Service chief executive John Kirwan said.

Diabetes support and education is also available from Diabetes Tasmania in these communities under Primary Health Tasmania’s rural primary health program.

During an open tender process, Primary Health Tasmania received valuable input from local communities and service providers about the key priorities for people with chronic conditions.

More information, including how to self-refer into the program, can be found at Primary Health Tasmania’s Our Services Portal.

The rural primary health program is funded by the Australian Government through the PHN program.