Rural and regional healthcare

Healthcare in rural and regional areas is delivered by a mix of public, private and not-for-profit services. The exact mix at any location depends on local demand, the resources available and the need to provide safe, high-quality care.

How rural and regional health systems are organised#

Rural and regional health systems usually work in tiers, with smaller, local services connected to larger centres:

• Rural health services serve smaller, more isolated communities. Government-funded groups, local organisations and healthcare professionals work together to give each community accessible care options.
• Larger rural health services sit between an isolated rural setting and a regional centre. They often provide a wider and more complex range of services than the smallest rural clinics, bridging the gap to regional care.
• Regional health services are based in major town centres and surrounds. These larger hospitals have the resources to provide a broad range of care, which can include rehabilitation and other specialist services.

The kinds of services you may find across these settings include general hospital care, mental health services, community health services, drug and alcohol services, ambulance and patient transport, and visiting specialist and nursing care.

Challenges of rural and regional healthcare#

Because of smaller populations, longer distances between towns and fewer specialised resources, rural and regional services face different challenges from those in cities. Resources are often limited and shared between towns, so not every medical service is available at all times.

In a rural area you may have to wait until a specialist visits the area, or travel to a regional or metropolitan hospital for more complex diagnosis and treatment. The level of care you receive — emergency care, mental health services, obstetrics, intensive care, paediatrics or geriatric care — will depend on your condition and on which service is best equipped to treat it.

Finding care and starting treatment#

Treatment usually begins with a visit to your local doctor, who will decide whether it is best for you to:

• see a visiting specialist,
• attend an outpatient clinic, or
• travel to a regional or metropolitan service for treatment.

Where long distances are a problem, you may be able to receive care through telehealth.

Travel and accommodation#

Travel and accommodation are important to plan for when you have to travel for medical treatment. If you need accommodation close to the hospital, or help to plan or pay for your travel, support may be available from a range of sources. Patient transport assistance schemes in many places help with travel and accommodation costs when you have to travel long distances for specialist treatment. Each scheme sets its own rules for who is eligible, how much help is provided and how it works, so check the details that apply where you live.

Social workers at regional and larger hospitals are an important contact for people who travel for healthcare. They can provide helpful information, travel assistance and patient support, and can act as an advocate for the needs of patients and families. Some areas also have volunteer-based traveller support services that assist people moving through transport hubs; these usually need to be booked in advance.

Planning your trip#

If you need to travel for treatment, plan ahead — from transport and accommodation through to keeping your local doctor informed of your progress. Whether you are going to hospital as an inpatient or an outpatient, prepare by gathering what you need before you leave.

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• the address and phone number of the hospital or clinic,
• details of your medical specialist and any patient support contact at your destination,
• personal identification and any health insurance or coverage details,
• a list of the medication you take and any relevant test results,
• your transport booked or your route planned, and
• accommodation arranged for you and your carer.

When you arrive as an inpatient or outpatient, you may like to ask your doctor or nurse:

• How long will I have to wait?
• Do I need to book follow-up appointments?
• Who will tell my family about my treatment and progress?
• Who will inform my local doctor about my condition and progress?

Before you are discharged, it can help to ask:

• Who can help me when I get home?
• What information do my carers need?
• Is my transport still suitable for the journey home?
• What medication do I need?
• Do I need to book any follow-up visits?

Telehealth#

Telehealth uses video and sound technology to help healthcare professionals communicate with you over long distances. If you live in a rural location, you may be able to speak with your specialist through your computer rather than travelling. It is especially well suited to follow-up or review appointments. Ask your doctor whether telehealth is a suitable option for your care, as appointments can often be arranged through your local doctor.

Key points#

• Rural and regional care is delivered by public, private and not-for-profit services arranged in tiers, from small local clinics to regional hospitals.
• Limited and shared resources mean not all services are available everywhere or at all times.
• Treatment usually starts with your local doctor, who decides whether you need a visiting specialist, an outpatient clinic or travel to a larger centre.
• Plan travel and accommodation early, and ask about patient transport assistance and hospital social workers.
• Telehealth can reduce the need to travel, especially for follow-up appointments.

Where to get help#