Psych service to benefit locals
0 comment

Psych service to benefit locals

The Royal Flying Doctor Psychological Service, which will launch next Thursday, November 2, will be of great benefit to members of remote local communities, according to Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.
 
Mr Bull said local resident, Birgit Schaedler, who has joined Royal Flying Doctor Service as a mental health clinician, would be holding appointments and engaging with small communities across East Gippsland to raise awareness about mental health.
 
“This service allows for patients to access appointments with a mental health professional through their local bush nursing centre,” he said.
 
“Bush nurses will triage patients directly into the service and patients meet with Birgit initially at the bush nursing centre. I know Birgit has worked in this field locally and have no doubt she will do a fantastic job in this role.
 
“Subsequent appointments are conducted via the secure Flying Doctor Telehealth Service. In addition to providing clinical services, Birgit will also engage with local communities to develop relevant strategies on how to raise awareness and build resilience,” he said.
 
Mr Bull said the Flying Doctor Psychological Service was something remote communities needed and that it was pleasing to see it come to fruition.
 
“Many people from these areas, the majority of them farmers and possibly suffering from devastation from bushfire, drought or other natural disasters, need this service,” he said.
 
“Previously these people wouldn’t have had such easy access to a mental health clinician. It has been a service out of reach for a number of people, as it is not at their doorstop like other areas, but now help is becoming a reality.
 
“Having worked out of Orbost for the past three years, Birgit will be great for the role and I am sure will be able to assist anyone in the area with arising or ongoing issues,” Mr Bull said.
 
The Flying Doctor Psychological Service is sponsored by Royal Flying Doctor Service and Gippsland Primary Health Network.
 
 
Friday, October 27, 2017