Tele-health
Remote consultations - often referred to as 'telehealth consultations' form the core of RFDS services. These are the calls that come into an RFDS base from individuals or health workers, in rural and remote areas, who require medical assistance or advice from an RFDS doctor.
The RFDS performed 55,930 telehealth consultations in 2023/24
Telehealth technology effectively bridges vast distances to facilitate remote consultations with our doctors. We provide medical advice by phone all year round to both patients and health staff in remote locations. This means patients can receive advice and treatment 24 hours a day without travelling long distances to the nearest town or clinics.
RFDS staff prescribe medical treatment, identify when further care is needed and give first aid in emergencies. Remote consultations are conducted over phone, radio and video call and additional platforms may be used to assist with diagnosis.
