Access to medical needs at RFDS Medical Services - Condobolin has taken another big step in addressing community needs.

The service opened its doors on a part-time basis in February while recruitment for positions took place and now the RFDS has announced it has begun taking bookings for appointments with doctors.

“We’re very pleased to be delivering these services in Condobolin,” RFDS South Eastern section (RFDSSE) Executive General Manager Health Services Development, Jenny Beach said.

“We understand the importance of the community having access to primary and preventative healthcare services and have worked with Lachlan Shire Council and the Western NSW Local Health District to reestablish a local practice. We thank everyone for their patience,” Ms Beach said.

Bulk billing is available for children under 16, pensioners and health care card holders, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

To provide certainty for the Condobolin community, the practice charges a small fee for patients who are not eligible for bulk billing. These fees go back into providing services to the community. 

Due to ongoing recruitment, there may still be days where a doctor is not on site. Appointments will not be taken for those days and people requiring urgent care will be directed to Condobolin Multipurpose Service.

Almost two million people call regional, rural, and remote NSW home. However, access to healthcare services, specialists and support remains a key challenge for those living outside our urban centres so the evolvement of the Condobolin facility is fantastic.

As part of ongoing efforts to provide better access to healthcare for our communities, RFDSSE are asking community members from across NSW to share their views and experiences on regional, rural, and remote healthcare, and the role the RFDS plays in delivering frontline services through a brief survey.

Dr Shannon Nott, Chief Medical Officer for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) said this was an opportunity for people living in regional, remote, and rural NSW to have their say on healthcare.

“We know that each person, and each community’s healthcare needs and experiences across regional, rural, and remote NSW are unique. We want to hear the communities’ views and use their insights to positively shape the future of healthcare for people living in these regions,” he said.

“By lending your voice, you're helping to highlight what it’s like to access healthcare in regional, rural and remote NSW now; AND shine a light on what you think healthcare in regional, rural and remote NSW should look like in the future.”

The survey is open now and will remain open until early May. To access the survey, which takes five to ten minutes to complete, click this link RFDS survey.