Overcoming isolation from health services
Tara used a government funded tele health service to improve her health For many people living in regional and remote Western Australia, accessing regular healthcare can be a challenge. For Tara, finding. . .
Tara used a government funded tele health service to improve her healthFor many people living in regional and remote Western Australia, accessing regular healthcare can be a challenge. For Tara, finding support from a dietitian meant waiting weeks for an appointment – if one was available at all. “Dietitian access in my area was only available once every eight weeks, and appointments often booked out fast,” Tara said. Wanting to improve her relationship with food and build healthier habits, Tara enrolled in the Better Health Coaching Service – a free, phone-based program funded by the Western Australian Department of Health. Through regular phone appointments with a qualified health professional, Tara received practical guidance and ongoing encouragement. “My coach was great at helping me set achievable goals that would help me reach my long-term goal,” she said. With consistent support, Tara gradually introduced a wider variety of foods into her diet and increased her daily physical activity. Over time, those small, achievable changes delivered significant results. “I am healthier both physically and mentally. I have more energy to do those things that were once out of reach,” Tara said. Today, she enjoys a much broader range of foods and continues working with her healthcare team to build confidence and maintain her healthy lifestyle. Addressing the regional healthcare gapTara’s experience reflects a broader issue facing many Western Australians. Around 27% of the state’s population lives in rural or remote areas, where access to primary healthcare services is often more limited than in metropolitan centres. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), people living outside major cities face greater barriers to healthcare. A 2023 National Rural Health Alliance report also found that rural Australians receive around $850 less in healthcare funding per person each year compared with those living in metropolitan areas. Programs such as the Better Health Coaching Service help bridge that gap by providing free, accessible support regardless of where people live. The service empowers Western Australians to make practical lifestyle changes that improve their health, confidence and overall wellbeing. Free support is availableThe Better Health Coaching Service is a free telephone-based coaching program delivered by qualified health professionals. It supports Western Australians to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes and is funded by the Western Australian Department of Health. To register or learn more, visitbetterhealthcoaching. com. au/wa-homeor call 1300 822 953.