Life as a rural doctor provides many challenges not experienced by metropolitan General Practitioners.

Distance, becoming part of a new community and settling a family into life in rural and remote areas of South Australia are just some of those challenges.

The Flinders and Far North Division of General Practice has been established to support both General Practitioners and General Practice  to overcome challenges and ensure quality medical care is delivered to patients in the Flinders and Far North Regions of South Australia, covering general practices in Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Roxby Downs, Woomera, Hawker, Quorn and Leigh Creek.

By supporting and meeting the needs of GP’s, the Flinders and Far North Division of General Practice’s aim is to improve health care outcomes for communities.

Education and training are essential to this and regular training sessions are held with visiting specialists and division staff.

The Division is also committed to working with Aboriginal organisations and communities to improve health care outcomes for Aboriginal people, with a large proportion of the State’s Aboriginal community living in the area covered by the Division.

Mental Health is another priority health care area identified by GPs, with the Division creating its own Mental Health Program.  Diabetes support is another area of primary care, provided by the Division.

The Flinders and Far North Division of General Practice is based in Port Augusta and a Board of Management of GPs oversee the Division and make decisions that represent the views of its GP members.