Caring for the caregivers
New partnership with Western Queensland Primary Health Network brings vital support to rural health workers in Western Queensland
Rural Doctors Foundation is excited to have the support of Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQ PHN) to expand GPs4RuralDocs – a unique program designed to support the health and wellbeing of rural GPs, nurses and allied health professionals. The initiative is now available in the communities of Blackall and Barcaldine.
At its core, GPs4RuralDocs is about looking after those who care for others. It provides confidential, independent healthcare specifically for rural health practitioners -ensuring they can access the care they need without leaving town or turning to colleagues or supervisors.
“When rural health professionals feel supported – physically, mentally and emotionally – they’re better able to care for their patients and more likely to remain in their communities,” says Rural Doctors Foundation CEO, Fran Avon. “This program offers a trusted space for them to prioritise their own health.”
The partnership with WQPHN reflects a shared commitment to improving rural health outcomes by supporting the people who deliver care. WQ PHN CEO Sandy Gillies says the collaboration aligns perfectly with their mission. “We’re proud to partner with Rural Doctors Foundation to make this possible.”
“This is about sustaining our rural health workforce by putting meaningful, local supports in place. When GPs and rural health workers feel supported, it improves retention, morale, and ultimately patient care.”
Community collaboration
To prepare for the program’s launch, Rural Doctors Foundation Medical Director Dr Margaret Kay and Relationship Manager, Olga Korobko visited Blackall and Barcaldine in June. Joined by Amber Scott and Casey McDermott from WQ PHN they met with local health professionals and service providers to shape the delivery of the program to best meet community needs.
“Rural doctors are deeply committed to their patients – often at the expense of their own wellbeing,” said Dr Kay. “GPs4RuralDocs is here to change that, offering a confidential service that helps them stay well, so they can continue doing what they do best.”
This new phase marks an important step toward healthier practitioners and, in turn, healthier rural communities.
GPs4RuralDocs is based on a simple but powerful idea: when health professionals are well, entire communities benefit.
The program directly aligns with WQPHN’s mission to enable better health outcomes across some of Queensland’s most remote areas.
What’s next?
The program is expected to launch in the coming months, giving rural health workers access to independent support services—so they are not just delivering healthcare, but receiving it too.
