MSOAP

Program Contact Person – Carolyn Wilson

Overview

The Medical Specialists Outreach Assistance Program (MSOAP) is a national program funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) under the Rural Health Strategy. The private sector component of MSOAP in Queensland is administered by General Practice Queensland (GPQ) through the Divisions at local level.

MSOAP provides undiang to specialists for some of the costs associated with delivering outreach services eg: travel, accommodation and facilities. It also provides some resources for visiting specialists to deliver upskilling to local medical practitioners and other health professionals.

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Objectives

The objectives of MSOAP are to:

  • Increase specialist services in areas of identified need;
  • Support medical specialists to provide outreach medical services in rural and remote areas;
  • Facilitate visiting specialist and local health professional relationships and communication about ongoing patient care and
  • Increase and maintain the skills of regional, rural and remote health professionals in accordance with local need.
The benefits of MSOAP are twofold. The provision of specialist clinics to rural and remote Queensland communities means increased access to health services, less disruption to the lives of rural Queenslanders, and increased specialist skills for the rural health workforce. Also, MSOAP provides urban-based specialists with the opportunity to experience life in rural community.

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Key MSOAP Activities in the Wide Bay Area

  • Dr Denis Stark (Opthalmolgist) has bi-monthly visits to Mundubbera.
  • Dr Ron Dolton (General Physician) has bi-monthly visits to Gayndah, Mundubbera and Eidsvold.
  • Dr Terry Casey (Dermatologist) has monthly visits to Bundaberg.
  • Dr Walsh (Neurologist) has 6 weekly visits to Bundaberg.
For further information contact Carolyn Wilson on 07 4151 0814.

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