Dr Peter Brennan has been undertaking locum work with us at Wave across a wide range of locations — from the coastal shores of Batemans Bay, to remote Elcho Island, and even serving as a resort doctor in Queensland.
We’re pleased to share our chat with Dr Peter where he reflects on his locum experience in Bidyadanga, WA as well as shares a few photos he’s taken of this amazing area!
Q: What drew you to remote locum work, and what has the experience been like?
Remote locums have given me the privilege to visit remote areas of Australia that I would probably never otherwise have had the opportunity to see. Embedding yourself in a community of like-minded health care professionals has been so much more of an insight than just driving through as a tourist. Life in Bidya is such a contrast with suburban life. The vast outback gives you time to unwind and reflect without the distractions of city life.
Photo credit: Dr Peter Brennan
Q: Were you nervous about working in a remote clinic setting?
Although I was apprehensive that I would be underskilled for remote area health, the work at the clinic is challenging and interesting without being terrifying. We were just close enough to Broome for adequate backup, and, as I soon discovered, the real medical emergencies were handled amazingly skillfully by the nursing staff. They, in turn, have excellent backup with telehealth links to emergency physicians and ICU staff in Perth with medical extractions facilitated by the flying doctor service. As the GP based in Bidya I would be on call two or three nights per week. Patients would have contacted the nurse first who screens the patient. If it is a serious medical problem they will often go straight to telehealth with Perth and I was not involved. I was mainly consulting by phone on managing less acute problems that arise after hours. The on call was definitely not busy. There is no question in my mind that the nursing staff do the real heavy lifting.
Q: What kinds of health challenges do you commonly see in the community?
The health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is extreme. Conditions like rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are common, as is diabetes with complications like renal failure and early onset ischaemic heart disease.
Q: What was the biggest challenge when you first arrived?
Probably the biggest challenge in working in Bidya was learning to navigate the software system, MMEx. On arrival in Broome you have a half day IT orientation which is very helpful then head down to Bidya day 2. It takes a week or two to get your head around the software. The staff I found to be helpful and friendly, but as with most remote areas there was a regular turnover of staff. Nonetheless there was a definite sense of being part of a team. As the Bidya GP you are living in the town. On Mondays and Thursdays the RFDS flies down two more Broome-based GPs for the day plus a never-ending array of allied health and specialists. On Tuesday two doctors drive the 180 km from Broome for the day. There is also easy phone support from the Broome-based GPs so you feel very supported even on the two days per week when you are the only GP in town.
Photo credit: Dr Peter Brennan
Q: What does a typical day in Bidya look like?
A typical day might start with some laps in the local pool then a walk to the clinic which opens at 8 am. It is only a 100 m stroll across a field from quarters. There was usually a handover of any overnight problems then checking results etc and the first patients would appear around 9 am. The clinic would close from 12 til 1 pm for lunch and I would usually walk home to make lunch. The accommodation is a three bedroom airconditioned duplex with fully kitted out kitchen and laundry equipment plus good internet and there is a supermarket next to the clinic although remote area prices are often high so it is wise to do a big shop in Broome before you leave. The clinic closes around 5 pm and some afternoons I would drive ten minutes down to the beach to watch the sunset (mindful of staying croc-alert!).
Photo credit: Dr Peter Brennan
Q: How did you feel about personal safety while living and working in the community?
There is no doubt that in a number of remote communities personal safety is becoming an issue. I have to say that compared with some remote communities I did not feel unsafe in Bidya. It is a dry community which helps and seems the perfect balance of being far enough away from Broome to avoid grog getting in but near enough to Broome to make supermarkets and shops accessible so people are not desperate for food.
Q: What would you say to GPs who are considering working in the Kimberley?
I would say to any GP considering working in the Kimberley that Bidya is a great option as it gives a great sense of the remoteness of the outback yet is only a one and three quarter hour drive from Broome at weekends. You will be challenged with medical conditions you have probably read about as a student but never seen in real life. There is plenty of support and you will find it exciting and challenging to get away from the humdrum of suburban practice.
Get in touch with our GP team to find your next locum adventure!
All photos in this article courtesy of Dr Peter Brennan
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