Supporting rural GPs and health workers

What happens when a doctor needs a doctor?

We understand the health of our GPs and health practitioners is critical to the wellbeing of a rural community. We recognise their dedication and challenges that come with rural practice. This dedication, in combination with limited healthcare options, distance and work shortages often results in rural GPs neglecting their own health and wellbeing.

With our GPs4RuralDocs program, rural doctors, nurse and health practitioners can prioritise their own healthcare without having to leave town or consult a colleague.

What is GPs4RuralDocs?

GPs4RuralDocs is a GP service specifically for rural doctors, nurses and allied health practitioners. We work to provide Australia’s rural health workforce with the same level of care they provide their own patients. The service is delivered by a team of doctors who understand rural practice and are trained in doctor-to-doctor care and mental health.

These GP consultations can address specific health concerns or act as a simple health checkup – just as they would for any patient in a GP clinic.

How does GPs4RuralDocs work?

The visiting GPs hold clinics in various rural communities, multiple times a year, with telehealth services available between visits.

This combination of face-to-face and telehealth consultations allows the patient to develop continuity and trust with an independent GP trained in doctor-to-doctor care.

Why is GPs4RuralDocs such an essential program for rural doctors?

Like their patients, rural doctors face challenges in accessing healthcare. Being the only doctor in town or part of a small close-knit team of healthcare professionals, accessing independent and confidential healthcare isn’t easy.

Most rural healthcare practitioners are faced with the choice of being seen by a colleague, or forced to travel extraordinarily long distances to receive the independent care they provide their own patients.

This often leads to burnout and illness, with much-needed healthcare workers leaving their rural practice for extended periods of time.

GPs4RuralDocs results in healthy, resilient and accessible healthcare practitioners who are better equipped to care for their patients.
In looking after the physical, mental health and overall wellbeing of our GPs and health practitioners, it reduces incidence of stress and burnout, and means they stay living and working in their rural communities.

If you’re a health practitioner looking to secure an appointment, clinic dates for Stanthorpe and 2025 to be advised.

Dr Katie Chang cares for herself so she can care for her community

Dr Katie Chang and her husband Paul made the brave decision to move to Charleville and set up a medical practice. Read her perspective on challenges for rural doctors.