NT Remote Locum Program

Hey, Are You OK?

It’s and a perfect moment to check in with the people who matter to us.

How are you really feeling today?

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to ask those around us if they’re okay. Whether things are going well or you’re facing a tough time, your feelings are important.

Take a moment to reach out and ask a friend, family member, or colleague, "Are you OK?" Listen without judgment and offer your support. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make all the difference.

Remember, we’re stronger together, and a simple question can open up a world of support. Let’s look out for each other today and every day.

We are looking for General Practitioners (GPs)

Now is the time to become a locum with NTRLP.

As a NTRLP health professional, you will work as part of a supportive team to deliver primary healthcare in remote communities in the NT.

To ensure all health professionals feel well prepared and supported for their remote placements, NTRLP provides ongoing 24/7 support throughout your placement, cultural orientation, and professional development opportunities through our online eLearning platform.

Submit an EOI to join us on our website www.ntrlp.com.au

We cannot wait to have you join us!

The Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) Program will cease on 30 June 2024.

We are delighted to advise the NT Remote Locum Program has been introduced by the Australian Government, to begin on 1 July 2024.

This interim program will provide healthcare support in remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory with a focus on short-term paid placements of General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Audiologists and Oral Health Professionals.

More information on how to get involved will be released shortly via email and social media channels.

We wish to advise that placements for Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) have been fulfilled for the remainder of the financial year, as such, no new placements will be considered.

For alternative government-supported locum services, please consider contacting:
> Rural Locum Assistance Program - [email protected] / 1800 78725 527
> Rural Health Workforce Australia (RHWA) - https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/rural-health-workforce-australia-rhwa-contact

Information with respect to placements with effect from 01 July 2024 will be communicated as soon as possible.

In Memoriam: Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG (1 August 1932 – 4 February 2024)

With profound sadness, RAHC mourns the passing of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, a visionary leader, patron, and founding chair. Her peaceful departure at 91 leaves a void resonating across Indigenous health, embodying her unwavering commitment.

A proud Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr O’Donoghue's legacy extends beyond her community, inspiring courage and includes groundbreaking contributions. Pat Anderson AO, RAHC Board Chair, describes Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue as a national treasure, leaving an indelible mark in pursuing justice.

RAHC joins First Nation communities in honouring Dr O’Donoghue's memory, committing to upholding her values in supporting remote Indigenous health initiatives. Our deepest sympathies to Dr O’Donoghue’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Photo Credit: Leanne King

The Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) had a wonderful year in 2023, with several exciting milestones and a continuation of our Program refresh, which sees a renewed commitment by the RAHC team to Closing the Gap reform.

Read all about our highlights in our final blog post for 2023 - https://rahc.com.au/news/remote-area-health-corps-2023

We wish you and your loved ones all the best this holiday season!

Thank you for being part of the ongoing effort to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.

As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on a momentous milestone RAHC achieved on December 4th. Fifteen years ago, two registered nurses were the first RAHC placements in the Northern Territory (NT). Nicola Young and Odette Lakatos were placed in Ampilatwatja for two weeks.

Since then, more than 8,000 placements by General practitioners, Registered Nurses, Oral Health Professionals and Audiologists have been managed by the RAHC team into more than 100 remote communities in the NT.

Today, the RAHC team is led by proud Wiradjuri woman National Manager Kim Whiteley. Under Kim's leadership, RAHC operations and services are more closely aligned to Closing the Gap (CtG) reform, emphasising partnerships and enhancing services provided by both Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services as well as other operators of clinics in remote and isolated communities.

Thanks to the entire team, past and present, for their outstanding commitment and passion to closing the gap.

This week, RAHC Dentist Peter Hill popped in to say hi to the team and let us know that he has just completed his 31st placement. Peter joined the RAHC team of Health Professionals in 2010, and sadly his 31st placement will be his last as he has decided to retire!

From the entire RAHC Team, thanks so much, Peter for your dedication to our remote communities and hard work over the last 13 years, we wish you all the best in retirement!

"13 years ago, I came across RAHC for the first time, and the benefits have been great. Working with local Aboriginal communities in dire need of dental help, meeting and working with colleagues with a positive "can do" attitude. I have enjoyed my time with RAHC, and thank the team for their assistance and recommend any Dental Health Professional to give NT remote work a go." - Peter Hill

Kristy-Lee and Kim are on the Sunny Coast in Queensland attending the Indigenous Allied Health Australia Conference. Pop in and say hi and learn more about how you can get involved with RAHC.

We are here until Wednesday!!

This week we launched our latest eLearning module - Remote Primary Healthcare Manuals. This module aims to improve your understanding of the Remote Primary Health Care Manuals (RPHCM) in remote and rural communities in Central and Northern Australia.

This module joins 36 others, available to you for free. Create a login and start learning today - https://learning.rahc.com.au/

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with approximately two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime. Research shows that we aren't regularly using all five forms of sun protection.

Over-exposure to UV radiation causes 95% of melanomas. In every region across Australia, it is likely to reach extreme levels of UV over the summer months. You can check the UV before you head outside, on the SunSmart app, via the Bureau of Meteorology’s website or through your local weather forecast.

Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or higher:
>> Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
>> Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards.
>> Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
>> Seek shade.
>> Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards

For more information, you can visit the Cancer Council website - https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/campaigns-and-events/national-skin-cancer-action-week

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month!

It's important to know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and speak to your doctor immediately if you have any concerns. If lung cancer is found at an earlier stage, there is more chance of a better outcome.

What are the symptoms?
> coughing up blood
> a new or changed cough that doesn’t go away
> chest pain and/or shoulder pain or discomfort – the pain may be worse with coughing or deep breathing
> trouble breathing or shortness of breath
> hoarse voice
> weight loss
> loss of appetite
> chest infection that doesn’t go away
> tiredness or weakness

Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just lung cancer. Anyone can get lung cancer, even if they have never smoked. If you have any of these symptoms and they are persistent, talk to your doctor.

You can find more information and support - https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/key-initiatives/campaigns-and-events/lung-cancer-awareness-month

The Northern Territory syphilis outbreak is ongoing, with 2,064 outbreak cases notified from 1 July 2013 to 26 October 2023. Read our latest blog post to find out about symptoms and treatment options - https://www.rahc.com.au/news/public-health-alert-syphilis

Public Health Alert

As of 20 October 2023, 34 cases of Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) have been detected in the Northern Territory (NT), mostly in Central Australia.

Find out more about testing and treatment in our latest blog post here - https://www.rahc.com.au/news/public-health-alert-penicillinase-producing-neisseria-gonorrhoeae-ppng-changes-treatment

The Northern Territory (NT) Immunisation Schedules have been updated to reflect the introduction of the shingles vaccine Shingrix® to the National Immunisation Program from 1 November 2023.

Find out more information about this update on our blog - https://www.rahc.com.au/news/northern-territory-immunisation-schedule-update-1-november-2023