RURAL and remote regions in SA will have increased access to mental health services with the Rural Flying Doctor Service extending its support from this month.
The new program, which will see mental health workers visit outback communities who previously faced long travel times to access services, was made possible with new funding announced last year by the federal government.
“The Flying Doctor has a long history in caring for rural and remote residents with mental illness,” RFDS Central Operations chief executive officer Tony Vaughan said.
“In response to growing demand for extra services, the RFDS is now able to offer services to more communities.”
Mr Vaughan said this was an area in need of more attention.
“Remote Australians see mental health professionals on average at one fifth the rate of city people,” he said.
“Some parts of country Australia have no registered psychologists.
“Seeing a mental health worker can mean hours of travel, which is a barrier to getting help when it’s needed.
“The RFDS will now be able to visit more communities, and offer care where it’s not been available.”
The RFDS calready provides mental health services via its integrated Port Augusta Primary Health Care Service, made up of a single Mental Health Nurse, funded by the SA Country Primary Health Network.
The expanded mental health program will operate in addition to existing RFDS emergency aeromedical services and ‘fly-in’ GP, primary health care nurse and oral health programs.
The SA mental health team will be located at the RFDS Port Augusta Base, and travel to communities in the state’s Far North and North West as part of wider RFDS outreach services.
Telehealth access to mental health care will play a part of the new service.
Communities who will start to benefit from the expanded service include the Local Government Areas of Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Outback.
- To find out how to access the program, contact Health Service Development general manager Natalie Szaboo on 08 8238 3333. For emergency help, please phone 1800 RFDS SA (1800 733 772).
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
