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Flinders Island RHTS

Location: Campbell Town Dover Flinders Island George Town King Island Nubeena Oatlands Queenstown Scottsdale Sheffield Smithton St Helens St Marys Swansea  
Flinders Island Teaching Site
Flinders Island Teaching Site

The Flinders Island Rural Health Teaching Site is located in Whitemark, the commercial and administrative centre of the Island. It is a short walk from the Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre, shops and the Whitemark Beach.

The spacious and comfortable three-bedroom house has excellent facilities, including an outdoor barbeque. Computer and teleconferencing facilities are located at the Multi-Purpose Centre.

 

About Flinders Island

Population Characteristics

The population of the Furneax Group is 877 (2004)

Flinders Statistical Local Area 2004, Line Graph

Flinders Island has a population of approximately 850 and is the largest of the 52 islands of the Furneaux Group. It is approximately 60km in length and 20km in width.

Trousers Point Beach
Trousers Point Beach

Flinders Island was discovered by Europeans in 1773 when Tobias Furneaux, the commander of Captain Cook's support ship, became separated from the Endeavour in fog. During the 19th century it was a base for the sealing industry and today its main industries are farming, fishing and tourism. Mutton birding is carried out on a seasonal basis.

There is a small permanent population on nearby Cape Barren Island. As part of your rural clinical placement, you may be asked to accompany the local GP on his fortnightly visit.

Flinders Island has majestic mountains, unspoilt beaches, crystal clear water, and an abundance of wildlife. Make sure you take your camera with you.

Flinders Statistical Local Area 2004, Pie Graph

Regional Health Indicators

Relatively high proportion of Aboriginal people (16%)
High hospital admission ratios for cancer

For more information on Flinders Island and the Furneaux Group, visit the websites below:

Hint: Get to know the locals at the Interstate Hotel on a Friday night.

 

 

Flinders Island Health Services

Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre
Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre

Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre

The Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre was opened in 1995 and is operated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Centre provides a range of services which are designed to meet the changing health needs of the Flinders Island community.

Services include:

  • four acute-care beds;
  • residential aged care which includes five high-level care places and four low-level care places;
  • General Practitioner services;
  • 24 hour emergency and accident services;
  • home support services - home help, home nursing and palliative care;
  • specialist clinics;
  • telehealth - videoconferencing facilities for patients; and
  • outreach medical services to Cape Barren Island.