The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, in partnership with Royal Far West, made its first working trip into country NSW with a clinic for young clients at Cobar today.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is a purpose built, 12 metre long vehicle with two clinical consulting rooms and will be based at the Cobar Community Health Centre from August 22 to 24.
Royal Far West Clinical Services Manager Petra Milnes said the Care Mobile was in Cobar for follow-up appointments with young Royal Far West clients, who usually travelled to Manly for care.
“As health workers we’re excited to see the communities some of our young clients come from and learn more about how to combine and co-ordinate resources when caring for country kids,” Ms Milnes said.
“We’re also seeing some young clients for the first time and it’s wonderful for them to meet us in a familiar setting.”
Malcolm Coutts, RMHC CEO, is excited to be part of the Care Mobile initiative.
“We are truly thrilled about our partnership with Royal Far West and the opportunity to help more children and families in rural and remote areas of NSW,” he said.
“The provision of specialist health services from the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile directly to rural and remote communities will be very beneficial to country children and their families,” added Mr Coutts.
Staff working from the Care Mobile on this trip includes a paediatrician, occupational therapist and clinical psychologist. Staff will vary with each visit. Ms Milnes said this first trip to Cobar was in many ways a trial to see how the mobile service would work with the existing services operating from Manly and local support systems in Cobar.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is managed co-operatively by Royal Far West and the Board of the soon to be built Ronald McDonald House in Orange.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and Royal Far West team will be onsite at the Cobar Community Health Centre, Cobar Hospital, Lerida Road, Cobar, from 8.30am to 4.30pm August 22, 23 and 24. Parents and teachers are encouraged to drop by and find out more about the services of Royal Far West and to ask any questions.
Media contact: Royal Far West
Sharon Hogan 0421 619 097
