Rural Primary Health Services
Rural Primary Health Services (RPHS) ProgramOverview
On 1 July 2008, the Government created the Office of Rural Health to drive rural health reform in response to the findings of the Audit of Health Workforce in Rural and Regional Australia. The findings indicated that many rural health programs were directed towards achieving the same or similar outcomes. The Rural Primary Health Service (RPHS) Program will consolidate four previously separate primary and allied health programs.
The RPHS brings together the:
• More Allied Health Services (MAHS) program;
• Regional Health Services (RHS) program;
• Multipurpose Centre program (MPC);and
• Building Healthy Communities in Remote Australia program.
Services Provided Under RPHS:
GP Links Wide Bay is using RPHS funding to deliver the following services:
• Counselling
• Diabetes Education
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
The Division undertakes regular needs assessments and project evaluation in the communities to delivery primary health care in a way that best meets the identified needs of rural communities. If you have an identified need in your community for additional services please contact the Division.
Rural populations to receive RPHS services:
The RPHS is directed at providing allied health and primary care services to rural populations according to the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Area (ASGC-RA) system. To be eligible for funding under the RPHS program, communities must be located in ASGC-RA categories 2 (Inner Regional) to 5 (Very Remote). Priority is given to small rural communities located in ASGC-RA 3 (Outer Regional) – 5 (Very Remote).
The communities serviced within the Divisions boundaries under the RPHS program are:
North Burnett – Eidsvold, Munduberra, Gayndah, Biggenden, Mt Perry
Kolan – Gin Gin
Discovery Coast – Agnes Waters, Miriam Vale, Rosedale, Baffle Creek
Isis – Childers
The RPHS Allied Health Team commenced service delivery April 2010.
Referral Criteria
Services funded under RPHS are provided free of charge to consumers in rural communities and may be accessed by individuals through their General Practitioner or Health Professional (ie initial referral via GP, nurse in a specialist role or other allied health professional) or by Self / Family / Carer Referral.
Services provided to referred patients can either be on an individual or group basis. For group treatment, services must include secondary preventative/educational intervention for patients with existing conditions.
Please refer to the RPHS Guide for Primary Health Professionals for eligibility criteria and the referral process.
Resources
RPHS Guide for Primary Health Professionals
RPHS Service Delivery Schedule
RPHS Allied Health Professional Clinical Data Sheets Template
RPHS Data Sheet Template
RPHS Client Rights and Responsibilities Brochure
RPHS Client Information Pamphlet
RPHS Interactive referral form (PDF)
RPHS referral form (RTF)
Please direct your enquiries relating to RPHS Program to Cyleece Feher on 0447 164 405
For all referral enquiries, please contact Samara on 4151 0814
