Warren residents will soon have access to an experienced new doctor, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section welcoming a highly skilled Rural Generalist to its local medical centre.

Dr Francois Pretorius, who has more than 20 years’ experience in rural and regional healthcare, will begin work at the RFDS Medical Centre in Warren on Monday, February 9.

He will be available for appointments four days a week, from Monday to Thursday.

Besides his duties in Warren, Dr. Pretorius will also assist the wider RFDS network, offering aid to remote community clinics as needed.

Dr Pretorius is an accomplished Rural Generalist with advanced skills across a wide range of areas, including obstetrics, women’s health, paediatrics, emergency medicine and skin checks and procedures.

His expertise also includes procedures such as Mirena and Implanon insertions and venesection.

RFDS South Eastern Section Chief Medical Officer Dr Shannon Nott said the organisation was pleased to welcome a doctor of Dr Pretorius’ calibre to western New South Wales.

“It is widely known how difficult it is to recruit medical professionals in rural towns, so we are excited and proud to offer Dr Francois’ services to the community,” Dr Nott said.

Dr Pretorius began his medical career in South Africa before relocating to Australia in 2003. He later became a partner in a general practice clinic in Victoria before moving to Queensland in 2013, where he worked across general practice and a number of hospitals.

During his time in Queensland, Dr Pretorius held several senior leadership roles, including Director of Medical Services for the Central West Health Service, Medical Director of the Townsville Rural Hospitals Group and Medical Superintendent of Charters Towers Hospital.

Along with his work in Warren, Dr. Pretorius will contribute to the wider RFDS network, aiding remote community clinics on an as-needed basis.

Before joining the RFDS, he served as Chief Medical Officer for Ochre Health, a role that gave him first-hand experience of the challenges involved in delivering healthcare across western New South Wales.

The RFDS took over operation of the Warren Medical Centre in 2022 after the previous provider was unable to continue.

Since then, the service has helped ensure local residents can access consistent GP care without needing to travel long distances.

“It was important to the RFDS that we create a clinic which is sustainable and part of the community,” Dr Nott said.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support and trust the residents of Warren have placed in us to deliver that.”

Dr Nott said Dr Pretorius’ appointment also reflected the RFDS’s long-term commitment to rural healthcare.

“Sustainable rural healthcare requires investment not just in facilities, but in people,” he said.

“Not only will Dr Pretorius directly support patient care, but his appointment will also strengthen our ability to train the next generation of rural doctors across the region.”