Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia’s Post

Improving Healthcare Access for Remote Indigenous Communities in WA, a NurseFusion Sunday Spotlight. A research project is set to expand virtual healthcare services, transforming access to critical medical support for Indigenous communities in remote Western Australia. Building on a successful pilot virtual emergency service, which has been in use for over three years, the Western Australia Country Health Service (#WACHS) is looking to extend its #CommandCentre model to more communities. This initiative is supported by Aboriginal Medical Services, The University of Sydney (USYD), and the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC). 🚑 Why it matters: •Virtual healthcare reduces travel burdens for remote communities, providing timely medical interventions where access is often limited. •It improves health equity, offering culturally safe and trusted adapted care. •The social and health impacts will aid in contributing to better overall wellbeing and outcomes. The research will also assess the economic viability of expanding these services, ensuring they are both cost-effective and tailored to the unique needs of local communities. As this project grows, it sets a strong example of how technology and community-driven solutions can transform healthcare in remote and regional areas. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gkqd6AjX Kate Renzenbrink RN CHIA Dr Nathan Moore PhD FAIDH Katrina Matthews #DigitalHealth #IndigenousHealth #Telehealth #HealthEquity #Australia #RuralHealth

Reflecting on 20 years dedicated to health care in Australia's rural and remote regions—from Mt Isa to Doomadgee, Cairns to the Whitsundays—I've witnessed firsthand the profound health inequalities faced by these communities. The disparity in access to essential services is stark: waiting weeks for a GP appointment, traveling vast distances for specialist care, and sporadic visits from healthcare teams paint a challenging picture. And yet, these areas are the backbone of Australia's natural resource sectors, sustaining our nation's prosperity. Amidst this landscape, the question often arose: how could I, as a health professional, make a meaningful difference? Each day began with the mantra, "Today, your impact starts with one individual." One became two, then three, as we pioneered innovative primary care solutions driven by necessity and compassion. Today, we proudly continue our altruistic programs in regional Australia, partnering closely with local communities—each embodying the resilient spirit of the village. Our focus remains on enhancing multidisciplinary care services close to patients' homes, a critical step towards equitable healthcare delivery. I'm humbled by the recognition of our chronic pain management innovations by the Productivity Commissioner, underscoring their efficacy in transforming care paradigms. I call upon all Primary Health Networks to advocate vigorously for dedicated funding towards evidence-based chronic pain programs. By investing in these initiatives, we not only uplift our communities but also empower them to sustain our nation's prosperity. Thank you, Chronic Pain Australia, for shedding light on these challenges. Let's continue breaking down silos and advocating tirelessly for our remote and rural populations. Learn more about our initiatives: Productivity Commissioner's Report on Innovations in care for chronic health conditions. https://lnkd.in/g4mQaPfq #HealthcareInnovation #RuralHealthcare #ChronicPainManagement #CommunityEmpowerment #PrimaryHealthNetworks #HealthEquity #NPW24 #ruralandremote #persistentpainprogram

Thank you Pulse+IT, for highlighting Orion Health work's with Ontario's Health 811. We are immensely proud of our collaboration, efforts and the significant impact it has had. In the first year, emergency department visits dropped by 70%, with virtual care reducing costs from over CA$1,000 to under CA$50 per patient. This success underscores the value of Digital Front Doors in healthcare. We are equally excited about Australia’s investment in this space. Digital Front Doors are not only reducing healthcare costs but also paving the way for empowering individuals to navigate the complex health system more effectively. This is crucial for creating a more accessible and efficient healthcare environment, benefiting both consumers and providers. Maybe, it’s also time for NZ to quickly re-think their investment priorities to help achieve their recent health targets? #dfd #empowerment #digitalhealth https://lnkd.in/gCax-V_B

Exciting News for Rural Health! The Australian Government has secured the future of the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) with a $74.8 million investment. This three-year commitment will enable RFDS to enhance primary care, mental health, and dental services across remote communities. With a strategic partnership in place until 2031–32, the RFDS continues to be a lifeline, ensuring world-class healthcare is accessible even in the most remote areas of Australia. Read the full article : https://lnkd.in/gVUytWHG #Healthcare #RuralHealth #RFDS #GovernmentSupport #MentalHealth #DentalCare #PrimaryCare #RemoteCommunities #HealthEquity #Australia

Recently Peter Shandley and I spoke about the challenge, residents in aged care facilities often face in accessing timely follow-up appointments with their GPs. Traditional in-person visits can be disruptive, require transportation, and strain already stretched resources. Peter loves a challenge, and agreed the Health Pod addresses a number of barriers that telehealth has faced in gaining adoption. CareZen are currently discussing placing Health Pods in Aged Care Facilities community centres, for patients to book a follow up virtual consult with their GP. Residents and GP's like the continuity of care, and the sense of connection they can maintain. Virtual appointments minimize disruption to residents' routines, improving comfort and reducing anxiety. While eliminates travel barriers, ensuring timely care even for residents. Facilities can schedule more appointments with less logistical burden, maximizing staff time. Australian Bureau of Statistics: 96.1% of people aged 85+ see a GP annually. Virtual Consultations in a safe, private and soundproof Health Pod can bridge the gap for follow-up care. #agedcare #telehealth #healthcareinnovation #followupcare #Medtech #Health #Innovation #residentexperience #continuityofcare #primarycare Rural Doctors Association of Australia The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Aged & Community Services Australia CEDA Aged Care research hub Reilly and Associates - Aged Care projects Megan Dowdell Gregg Amies Bryn McMurray Jason Boyd Modvale

Continuing our spotlight on Hawaii's innovative use of Apprise's Hospital Capacity System, we're diving deeper into how the data capacity system is reshaping collaboration across the islands. HCS is transforming day-to-day operations in Hawaii's health care landscape. The system's real-time data on bed utilization offers transparency, helping hospitals make informed decisions swiftly. What's truly inspiring is how this transparency is fostering a spirit of mutual support. Health care providers can now identify overburdened facilities instantly and proactively offer assistance. "We haven't had this level of transparency before," Regina Leon, the director of critical care for Kona Community Hospital told us recently. "Now we can reach out and offer help when we see other facilities are stressed." This shift from reactive to proactive support is strengthening Hawaii's entire health care network. It's not just about managing crises—it's about building a more resilient, interconnected system that benefits all residents across the islands. HCS continues to prove its value, evolving from an emergency tool to a catalyst for daily collaboration and community-minded health care delivery in Hawaii. #HealthCareInnovation #HawaiiHealthCare #HCSImpact #ContinuousImprovement

Excellent for rural health organizations. Check out some of the success stories to learn directly from them about what was gained through this program.

Rural. Urban. Suburban. Each of these geographic regions are very different--but they have six things in common.    In our latest blog post, SVP Amelia Vietri shares the 6 challenges facing healthcare systems across the country. https://bit.ly/3O6scQk

🌟 General Practice in Australia 🌟 In the heart of Australia's healthcare system lies the pivotal role of General Practice. It's the frontline of medical care where the journey to health and well-being often begins. 🩺 General Practitioners (GPs) in Australia are not just doctors; they are the custodians of holistic health. With a healthcare model envied worldwide, Australian GPs manage everything from acute illnesses to chronic disease management, mental health, and preventative care. 🌿 🔍 Insightful Reflections 🔍 Reflecting on my own experiences, the dedication of GPs here is unparalleled. They are the unsung heroes, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure community health is prioritised. Their role in early detection and intervention cannot be overstated. In Australia, GPs also play a crucial role in rural and remote areas, providing essential services where specialists are scarce. Their adaptability and broad skill set are truly the backbone of these communities. 🏞️ 🚀 Embracing Innovation 🚀 The integration of telehealth has revolutionised patient access, a silver lining that emerged more prominently during the pandemic. It's a testament to the agility and patient-centred approach of Australian GPs. 📲 📊 A Statistic Worth Noting 📊 According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, there are over 31,000 GPs in Australia, each playing a critical role in the health of the nation. (RACGP, 2023) 🤝 Engagement & Community 🤝 I'd love to hear from you - whether you're a patient or a healthcare professional. How has the role of a GP impacted your life or community? Share your stories and let's celebrate the incredible work of Australian General Practitioners together. #GeneralPractice #HealthcareHeroes #AustralianGPs

New Original Research article in RRH: Experiences and impacts of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure on remote Aboriginal families by Courtney Ryder, Shane D'Angelo, Patrick Sharpe, Tamara Mackean, Nayia Cominos, Julieann Coombes, Keziah Bennett-Brook, Darryl Cameron, Emily Gloede, Shahid Ullah, and Jacqueline Stephens. https://lnkd.in/gmCDubeg The current economic crisis is resulting in more Australian families having to spend more money out of their own pocket for health care, known as out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure (OOPHE). When finances are tight, families forgo food or do not attend medical appointments just to get by, which can worsen chronic conditions. In this Original Research article, the authors explore OOPHE impacts for Aboriginal patients and families living in the Far West of South Australia. #australia #aboriginal #healthcareexpenditure #affordability #publichealth Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Ltd. Flinders University The George Institute for Global Health Far West Community Partnerships UNSW Keziah Bennett-Brook Julieann Coombes Tamara Mackean Nayia Cominos