Manager for RFDS) and Jacinta Cullen (Community Engagement Officer RFDS) with Louth residents Sharon Junk, Janet Jones and Clare Sandford.
Two new Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) purpose-built clinics are now onsite and operational in Louth and Tilpa, with the Tilpa community holding its first clinic last week.
The two clinics, which have been funded by a generous donor, will provide services to the villages and surrounding areas including primary health (doctors, nurses, Aboriginal Health practitioners, and other specialists), mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and dental care.
RFDS General Manager of Health Services, Jenny Beach said the RFDS primary health clinics were previously conducted in accommodation ranging from community spaces to spare rooms and shearer’s quarters.
“These purpose-built clinic facilities are a first for these communities, bringing healthcare facilities up to the standard regional communities deserve,” Ms Beach said.
The clinics will be staffed by health teams on a fly-in-fly-out basis, with a clinic day for community consultations each month, assisted by volunteers.
“The assistance of the communities of Louth and Tilpa, and the passion of the volunteer clinic coordinators, has been pivotal in getting these projects off the ground,” Ms Beach said.
“These communities are home to some of the most generous and resilient people in the country, and we are so thrilled that they can now access the care they need in one secure and welcoming location.”
Clinic Coordinator at Tilpa, Belinda Bennett, said they were very grateful to the RFDS and the donor who made these clinics happen.
“We’re really proud of the new building.
“It’s exciting to have excellent healthcare right on our doorstep,” she said.
