Partners Highlight – RFDS Community Transport

Did you know that REDHS partners with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to provide a Community Transport Service?

Since the program’s inception in January 2021, over 3,300 individual transports have been undertaken, covering more than 53,000kms.There are almost 300 local clients already registered to use the service and the dedicated volunteer driver team regularly clocks over 300 hours on the road each month.

The Community Transport Program is offered at no cost thanks to the generous support of the Rochester & Elmore Community Bendigo Bank, Rotary Club of Echuca Moama and Rochester Lions Club.

The service is available to eligible community members to access health and wellbeing appointments and social support groups within the designated service region which is bordered by Echuca, Shepparton and Bendigo (see map below).

To qualify, clients should hold a pension card, concession card or DVA card and live within 20kms of Rochester.

For further information or to make a Transport Service booking, call 03 5484 4303.

Service Profile – Social Work

You may have heard of a Social Worker but do you know and understand their role?

At Rochester and Elmore District Health Service, Rainbow Brooks (pictured) fills this important position and is dedicated to helping people manage change and challenge in their lives.

Her support and guidance is available to a wide cross-section of the community, including individuals, families and carers and may take many forms.

Rainbow can provide information, referrals and linkage to services like home care and in-home respite and assist with advance care planning.

She can also help with service co-ordination or care management, for those coming into or leaving hospital, or transitioning into aged care.

In addition, the REDHS Social Worker can provide advocacy, particularly for those experiencing social disadvantage, and access to personal and family counselling as well as art therapies.

For further information or to make a Social Work appointment, call 03 5484 4400