Since 2014, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria has delivered essential female GP visits to rural and remote communities through the Rural Women’s GP (RWGP) service, funded by RFDS Victoria donors and the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV).
The RWGP service works with clinics or bush nursing centres in towns with only male GPs (either permanent or locum) or no GP at all. By covering costs like equipment and travel, RFDS ensures that patients can access care without financial strain. The program facilitates high-quality and consistent care, early diagnoses and interventions, and the education of women and other patients on preventative health strategies.
Dr Susan Lewis, a consistent presence in Hopetoun (MMM 6), sees patients from surrounding areas who often carpool to appointments. The Listening to Women’s Voices report found that 50% of women experience period-related conditions, and 30% experience perimenopause or menopause symptoms to a degree that impacts their health. Recognising the need for better local knowledge of women’s health, Dr Lewis, with local volunteers, organised an education session that attracted over 60 women. The positive response has inspired plans for future talks, further empowering the community. RWAV’s outreach programs help bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve health outcomes for communities across Victoria.
RWAV proudly manages seven Commonwealth Government-funded outreach programs that deliver over 400 essential health services to rural, regional, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria. These programs include the Rural Health Outreach Fund, Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program, Healthy Ears Better Listening Better Hearing Program, Visiting Optometrists Scheme, Eye and Ear Surgical Support, Coordination of Indigenous Eye Health, and Ear Health Coordination.
Focused on increasing access to maternal and paediatric care, mental health support, chronic disease management, and ear and eye health care, these programs provide funding to support health professionals with travel and associated costs. The Indigenous Eye and Ear Surgical Support Service also extends funding to patients and carers, ensuring vital healthcare reaches those who need it most.
This story was provided by Elizabeth Wood Team Leader – GP, Specialist and Allied Health, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
