Sixty years ago, in the heart of Queensland’s outback, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) Mount Isa base was established, revolutionising healthcare in one of the State’s most challenging regions.
Spanning an extensive area – from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the north and the Northern Territory border in the west to Hughenden in the east and Bedourie in the south – it serves as the largest operational area of any RFDS base in Queensland.
Through its commitment to the community, the RFDS Mount Isa Base has become a lifeline, allowing people to live, work, and travel across this vast and often isolated region with greater safety and assurance.
Reflecting on the early days, Sister June Beattie, a dedicated nurse at the Mount Isa base, exemplified this commitment. Her passion for supporting the local community was evident in both emergency calls and routine clinic work, where she relished in providing essential care to children and mothers across the region. In a North-West Star article from 16 February 1970, Sister Beattie emphasised, “there is a lot to be done and we need a lot more help in this field.”
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Mount Isa Base, we reflect on our journey in transforming healthcare for regional, rural, and remote communities in Western Queensland.
The dedicated primary health care team in Mount Isa work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to those who might otherwise go without it. By offering a broad range of services, including regular clinics and telehealth consultations, the team overcomes the isolation barriers that many communities face, ensuring that essential healthcare is accessible to all.
Dr Yvonne Doveren, the RFDS Primary Health Care Medical Lead based in Mount Isa, is passionate about the team’s role in bringing healthcare to patients in their own town.
“This service is often the only opportunity for residents to access general medical care, primary health care services and mental health support locally,” she said.
“It is incredibly important for our community, which in turn makes it incredibly important to us.”
There is no sign of slowing down. Over the past decade, our PHC services have experienced significant growth, with a substantial increase in patients visiting our clinics and expansions into mental health care and telehealth services.
Dr Yvonne highlighted the significance of the recent introduction of scheduled GP telehealth consultations for isolated communities.
“Access is so limited in these areas, so every expansion is a welcomed addition to the community,” she said.
As Sister Beattie highlighted, there is always more to be done, and we are continually evolving and growing our practices to support the unique needs of the communities we serve.
Dr Yvonne is determined to advance the PHC offerings, focusing on expanding telehealth services, improving the management of chronic diseases, and implementing Indigenous care focused clinics.
“By listening to the community, we aim to address and fulfill their emerging needs as effectively as possible,” she said.
Our commitment to innovation and community centered care ensures that the legacy of the Mount Isa Base will continue to thrive, connecting communities to the finest healthcare and support services.
