Clermont residents will again have access to local GP services under a new interim stabilisation arrangement, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) appointed to deliver care in the town until a long-term solution is in place.
The interim solution has been commissioned by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and is fully funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, ensuring all Medicare-eligible GP services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to patients.
Services are expected to be up and running within six to eight weeks, with RFDS offering both face-to-face and telehealth consultations, supported by an online booking system. Further details around staffing, service delivery operations, and opening times will be confirmed closer to launch.
NQPHN Executive Director Health System Integration and Innovation Matt Burrows said the arrangement was a critical step to ensure access to care in Clermont while longer-term solutions were progressed.
“This is a much-needed solution for Clermont, and the community can be assured that local GP services will remain in place until a long-term solution is secured,” Mr Burrows said.
“Clermont residents will have local, reliable access to comprehensive general practice care – right here in their community, and at no out-of-pocket cost – while we work toward building a sustainable, long-term model for the region.”
Mr Burrows said the approach had been shaped through close collaboration with local stakeholders.
“We’ve worked closely with the local community, Isaac Regional Council, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service to ensure this solution reflects local needs and community feedback,” he said.
“We will continue to work towards building a fit-for-purpose model that supports the ongoing viability of primary care in the Isaac region.”
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the organisation’s Primary Health Care team would be front and centre providing patient-centric care to the Clermont region.
“We look forward to working closely with the local community, NQPHN, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service to re-introduce GP services,” Ms Staib said.
“We understand the need to be operational as soon as possible and the RFDS (Queensland Section) remains committed to providing the highest level of care, wherever people live.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will support the delivery of services, including providing facilities and equipment to enable care to be delivered locally.
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan welcomed the announcement.
“Mackay HHS has been working closely with NQPHN, Clermont community groups, and Isaac Regional Council over the past six months to explore options to support a GP practice in Clermont,” Mr Birgan said.
“We will be doing all we can to welcome RFDS clinicians to our region, and we will be supporting the service through the provision of the GP clinic building and equipment as well as providing visiting staff with accommodation.
“I congratulate NQPHN on actioning a solution to support the community of Clermont.”
Isaac Regional Council also welcomed the announcement, with Mayor Kelly Vea Vea describing the outcome as an important step for the community.
“Securing access to a GP for Clermont over the next six months is a positive short-term outcome for the community and an important step forward, while longer-term solutions continue to be explored,” said Ms Vea Vea.
“Access to healthcare remains one of the most important issues facing regional communities like Clermont and it is encouraging to see all levels of government, healthcare organisations, and local stakeholders continuing to work together to support the town.
“Our region is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, but access to reliable healthcare is essential if we want to continue growing strong and connected communities into the future.”
The stabilisation arrangement forms part of a broader pathway to strengthen primary healthcare in the Isaac region, with NQPHN continuing to work with the Australian Government on a longer-term Service System Recovery Plan and Thin Markets funding model for the broader Isaac region, including the town of Clermont.