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New provider for rural health services for Tasman, Huon Valley and Bruny Island

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is the new provider for Primary Health Tasmania’s rural primary health program in the local government areas of Huon Valley and Tasman and on Bruny Island.

People with chronic health conditions living in these areas will be able to access locally-based services by early 2019 for congestive heart disease, musculoskeletal conditions, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive airways disease.

Huon Regional Care previously provided these services and will work with the RFDS and Primary Health Tasmania to ensure a smooth transition for people currently receiving care. Diabetes support and education is also available from Diabetes Tasmania in these communities.

The RFDS has a strong track record of improving the health of rural Tasmanians and already provides locally based primary healthcare services under this program in the state's north. For more information about the RFDS in Tasmania go to their website here.

Primary Health Tasmania received input from local communities and service providers about the key priorities for people with chronic conditions as part of an open tender for southern services, held earlier this year.

Forty people attended meetings across the three local government areas and a total of 65 people completed surveys to identify priorities from stakeholders who either use or provide these services.

More information

For more information on rural primary health services in Tasman, Huon Valley and on Bruny Island including how to self-refer into the program go to the Primary Health Tasmania services portal here.

More information about Primary Health Tasmania’s work in rural communities is also available on our website here.

Additional information on primary health services in other local government areas can be found on the Primary Health Tasmania services portal here.