It’s the little things that can make a good service great, and Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) Primary Health Care Nurse Manager Lesley Mallard is dedicated to making that difference across the 22 clinic locations she and her incredible team covers.
While the saying goes that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” at the RFDS Primary Health Care Clinics, a visit to see the child health nurse might just include a piece of fresh fruit.
As a primary partner for the RFDS, Woolworths generously supplies a box of fresh fruit to our clinicians in Mount Isa, which is then distributed between the clinics across Western Queensland each week.
Part of Woolworths’ Free Fruit for Kids program, this initiative has proven to be incredibly popular with the children who visit the clinics.
"The kids really enjoy the fruit," Lesley said.
“We do our best work by engaging people and connecting with them.
“They trust us, so we can have really good conversations with them about their children's health and wellbeing – not just physical health, but emotional and mental health as well.
“It's reassuring to know that you've got that connection and that they really value the service that we're providing, too.”
Through services like prenatal care, child health care, vaccinations, and routine check-ups, the RFDS supports families throughout all the different stages of their lives.
Lesley has been with the RFDS for six years and brings a personal understanding of the importance of accessible health care.
Growing up in remote locations across Australia, she knows firsthand how beneficial it is to have health services nearby, saving families from long trips to doctors and specialists.
“I understand what it means if you have to travel to go and see a doctor,” she said.
“You need to leave your work, your property, your community and possibly your other kids or take them out of school for an appointment – whereas people living in the city can simply drive to and see the clinician of their choice.
“For people out here, it's a two or three-day adventure to go and get that type of health care.
“That’s why the service we offer is so important!”
The RFDS is committed to working collaboratively with our partners and supporters to expand our service delivery in ways that continue to support the communities we serve.
Find more information about our Primary Health Care services here, and our longstanding partnerships here.
Originally published by Woolworths Group here, and repurposed with permission.
