Bringing care closer for rural health professionals in Western Queensland
Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Julia Creek will soon have access to confidential and independent healthcare through an expansion of the Rural Doctors Foundation’s GPs4RuralDocs program, made possible through funding support from Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN).
The program is designed specifically for rural and remote health professionals, recognising the unique challenges they face in accessing independent healthcare while living and working in close-knit communities. By providing confidential GP services outside the local workplace environment, the program helps health professionals prioritise their own wellbeing so they can continue caring for their communities.
A key feature of this service in addition to face-to-face visits is the introduction of scheduled after-hours telehealth clinics, offering a convenient and accessible option for busy health professionals.
The service will be delivered by Professor Louise Stone, one of Australia’s most respected GPs and advocates for doctor wellbeing. With more than 35 years’ experience in rural, remote and urban practice, Louise has dedicated much of her career to supporting both patients and health professionals through her work in clinical care, medical education, research and policy.
Louise brings a particular passion for doctors’ health and rural practice, shaped by years of working alongside health professionals and understanding the pressures they face. Her commitment to ensuring healthcare workers have access to compassionate, high-quality care aligns strongly with the goals of the GPs4RuralDocs program.
Face to face visit
Location
Julia Creek - Tuesday 18 August
Cloncurry - Wednesday 19 August
Mt Isa - Thursday 20 August
Scheduled after hours telehealth
Commencing 31 August, telehealth appointments will be available every three weeks on Monday evenings from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, supporting continuity of care and making it easier for practitioners to access follow-up appointments around demanding work schedules.
The expansion into Mt Isa, Cloncurry and Julia Creek reflects WQPHN’s ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the rural health workforce. Together, WQPHN and the Rural Doctors Foundation are helping create healthier, more sustainable rural communities - by caring for the people who care for them.
