The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria – supported by Amplitude Energy and in partnership with Orbost Regional Health – is pleased to announce a new telehealth service offering endocrinology and pain management in Orbost, providing dedicated specialist appointments closer to home for those who need it most.
East Gippsland patients experiencing pain, addiction or needing endocrinology support will now have the option to attend a targeted specialist telehealth clinic through Flying Doctor Remote Specialist.
The clinic is located at RFDS Victoria’s health partner, Orbost Regional Health, where patients will be supported by local health professionals to connect with a pain and addiction physician via telehealth, at no cost.
The first pain clinic took place on Friday, February 14, with RFDS Victoria committing to host three more dedicated clinic days before July.
Orbost has been identified by RFDS Victoria as having a significant population of people experiencing health challenges related to endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, or dealing with chronic pain and addiction.
It is through Amplitude Energy’s impactful contribution that the immediate benefits of timely and appropriate interventions can now be delivered to patients experiencing endocrine disorders, and chronic pain and addiction issues.
The new service will also work with local GPs on early intervention in endocrine disorders, provide access to continuous glucose monitoring equipment, and offer monthly clinics for pain and addiction management.
Dr Edwina Brown, a GP with Orbost Regional Health, said this essential service will play a significant role in alleviating financial and geographical barriers for East Gippsland locals accessing specialist care.
“This clinic is so important due to the high percentage of patients who have chronic pain in the area. Many of these patients are hesitant to engage with specialists and the barrier of otherwise needing to travel to have their pain reviewed is often seen as insurmountable,” Dr Brown said.
Dr Raymond Chan, who is a pain and addiction physician with Flying Doctor Remote Specialist, agrees with Dr Brown, saying this initiative will support both addiction and chronic pain management and treatment, both of which are common medical conditions in rural communities.
“The problem is especially acute in remote country areas. Some Melbourne public pain clinics currently also have a long waiting list. It is a great project to offer this clinic in remote eastern Victoria, so that affected patients don’t have to travel great distances to Melbourne or Canberra for appropriate treatment,” he said.
First established in 2013 Flying Doctor Remote Specialist helps patients in remote, rural and regional areas access appointments with city-based specialists without the cost or inconvenience of travelling.
