Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT has launched Bushlink, a digital appointment booking tool powered by Five Faces’ technology, to help remote communities in South Australia manage their RFDS healthcare appointments.
Co-designed with RFDS primary healthcare patients in outback South Australia, Bushlink offers a new level of flexibility and choice. Patients in communities such as Innamincka and Yunta can sign up, book face-to-face appointments, choose their consultation type, and receive appointment reminders. They can also reschedule or cancel bookings, complete digital forms, and engage in secure two-way messaging.
Reflecting on the growing expectation for digital convenience in healthcare, Mandy Smallacombe, RFDS SA/NT Primary Health Care Manager, said: “Today’s patients are used to managing their lives online, from socialising to banking. We wanted to provide a solution that ensures no one is left behind when it comes to their health and wellbeing. Bushlink provides all-hours access for RFDS SA/NT patients to book and manage their face-to-face appointments via smartphone, tablet or computer. Based on feedback, we have included a ‘booking on behalf of others’ feature for those who need help with technology.”
The Bushlink solution reflects RFDS SA/NT’s commitment to giving communities more control over their healthcare journey, while still providing the option to book appointments by phone or email for those who prefer it.
Nicole Nixon, CEO of Five Faces, said, “We’re delighted to support RFDS SA/NT in improving the lives of rural Australians. Bushlink harnesses digital technology to make healthcare more accessible, while respecting the unique needs and preferences of remote communities.”
The Bushlink Admin Console allows staff to manage appointments, forms and secure messaging, and to create or update patient forms such as registration and consent. It can flag incomplete registrations, trigger SMS notifications and is integrated with Best Practice to streamline the administration of patient information.
About Five Faces
Five Faces digitises complex consumer journeys for hospitals and healthcare providers. The company’s modular technology enables rapid digital innovation of patient engagement solutions for everything from the digital front door through to digital signage. In 2021, Five Faces and Sydney Local Health District received the NSW Government Premier’s Award for the Mass Vaccination solution for ‘Putting the Customer at the Centre’. An Australian company headquartered in Brisbane, Five Faces solutions have been accessed by 4+ million consumers. www.fivefaces.com.au/health
About Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT
Since 1939, RFDS SA/NT has been a lifeline for South Australians and Territorians, delivering world-class emergency aeromedical and primary health care to around 50,000 people every year – one patient every 10 minutes. From life-saving evacuations to fly-in clinics and digital health solutions, the organisation brings essential care to the most isolated corners of the country. RFDS SA/NT is a for-purpose organisation and exists to support healthier and happier Australians, no matter where they live, work or play. www.flyingdoctor.org.au/sant
