As graziers in north west Queensland began tackling the enormous task of rebuilding properties shattered from a once-in-a-generation natural disaster, doctors in the region were able to keep pace with their needs, thanks to the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland Foundation.
The organisation, born out of the 2011 floods, was reactivated this month, providing support of up to $10,000 for practices and $5000 for individual GPs.
The on-the-spot medical fraternity has been making use of it to deal with a range of issues, from restocking depleted supplies to chartering small planes to fly out to isolated properties.
Tetanus, Q fever and a range of skinborne infections are all being addressed by the flexible and responsive fund.
RDAQ Foundation recovery coordinator, Dan Halliday, said both localised and outreach services from Townsville to the Gulf and west to Cloncurry had been impacted by the extraordinary circumstances.
"In some cases equipment has been destroyed and doctors' ability to attend clinics has been affected," he said.
"Cloncurry and Julia Creek especially are resource-poor and resources consumed.
"Things like vaccines are extremely valuable in that environment.
"And now that soil has been disrupted and animals are dead, Q fever is a big concern."
The foundation apportioned $50,000 to the disaster and had distributed half of that in the first four days of opening it up.
"We've got a network in place - we just want to get in and give our people resources," Dr Halliday said.
One tranche of funding meant that Flinders Medical Centre doctor, Emma Gillmore, was able to get airborne to four stations north of Cloncurry, dropping off a Blazeaid volunteer as well as supplying vaccinations, antibiotics and general health care.
"It means at least their health is OK while they get on with the recovery," Dr Halliday said. "Anything that makes their lives easier at this point in time is a good thing."
Dr Halliday said the foundation was still open to innovative solutions that would get healthcare to where it was needed.
He said they expected to help local doctors cope with grief and loss issues, and to have money available for them to deal with long-term PTSD issues.
RDAQ Foundation chairwoman, Dr Tash Coventry, said ongoing support would be allocated to those in greatest need to help in the recovery process.
Donations to REPPAIR and the RDAQ flood relief appeal for GPs were welcome and tax deductible, she said.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
