Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) is set to bolster men’s health with the rollout of a new local clinic launching in Georgetown.
While still catering to the entire community's health needs, the new RFDS clinic day is tailored to men’s health by removing the common barriers that prevent males from undergoing proactive health checks.
Specifically, it will be held away from traditional clinic settings, at Georgetown Sports Centre, and will be organised by a male RFDS practitioner, Dr Geoff Clark.
Etheridge Shire Council Mayor Barry Hughes is a champion for proactive men’s health management and was one of the first local men to utilise the extended RFDS service.
“The men in our community are trailing behind when it comes to taking the opportunity to make the most of the RFDS weekly visits to our community,” Mayor Hughes said.
“So, my fellow local men I say — when you’re in the very capable hands of Dr Geoff Clark and his team, and outside that traditional medical environment, there’s no more excuses.
“I want every other Georgetown bloke out there to book in for an RFDS health check up next month,” he said.
RFDS Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said clinic health checks were one of the key ways local community members could prevent needing the organisation's services in the future.
“The stark fact of the matter is that we typically see male community members as dependents, and then not again until that tragic circumstance where a health issue has evolved to the point that it requires an emergency retrieval or other RFDS services like hospital transfers.
“We take great pride in offering the finest healthcare to those living, working and travelling across the furthest corners of Queensland, and primary health services are the lynchpin of preventing greater health issues down the line.
“By removing any reasons for hesitation, particularly for groups that aren’t embracing our current services, we hope we can continue building a healthier and stronger Queensland,” Ms Staib said.
The new clinic day will extend the RFDS’ current clinic service, with the view that this evolved model will be rolled out further, starting at Mount Surprise in February.
