Locum Location - Derby, WA

A Rural GP Review of Derby Community Health Service & Hospital

What was your first impression and how did you settle in?

It’s a small town, but word travels fast, after just one patient visit, I had a steady stream of people coming through. I quickly felt like part of the community.

Everyone was easy to get along with, and I felt like my skills were genuinely appreciated.

How was the travel, logistics and accommodation?

The accommodation was actually quite decent. I stayed in a self-contained unit that was clean, quiet, and had everything I needed, a kitchenette, decent Wi-Fi, and a comfy bed. It was close enough to the hospital that I didn’t feel isolated, but still had a bit of privacy which I appreciated.

Travel-wise, the flights were a bit of a mission. Getting back from Broome via Sydney to Brisbane was especially hectic, but luckily I made it home in one go.

One of the best parts was the hire car - I was given a hybrid, and I couldn’t believe how little fuel it used! That made a massive difference, especially in a remote place like Derby where petrol stations are few and far between.

What was the support for locum doctors like in the department?

The team at Derby was honestly one of the highlights of the whole experience. It’s a tight-knit, collaborative environment, everyone knows each other, and that familiarity makes a huge difference, especially when you’re new to the place.

From day one, I felt like part of the crew. Everyone was so lovely, and I was invited to get involved at the hospital. There’s a real sense that if you put your hand up, they’ll find a way to include you. I even asked about observing some procedures with the visiting O&G and he was more than happy to get me involved next time, he told me to just speak to the theatre manager and coordinate around the theatre days.

There were also teaching opportunities, they usually hold sessions on Wednesdays, and while one got cancelled while I was there, the intention was clearly there. I joined in on morning hospital handovers twice a week, which helped me understand what was happening across the region (places like Fitzroy) and how the referral pathways worked. It’s great for any GP wanting to be part of something bigger than just the clinic room.

The other GPs were also really engaged. Dr C was across ED & GP a great guy who also helped me out with the software systems (which weren’t always user-friendly). And Dr M, another Blugibbon doctor, was working there too and made time for a chat.

There was a strong mutual respect between the hospital and the clinic, which isn’t always the case in every rural placement. Here, I felt valued, and people made the effort to share their knowledge and support each other. It’s the kind of place where, if you keep showing up and getting involved, you become part of the team.

What were the hospital facilities and services like?

The facilities at Derby are decent, especially considering how remote it is, but like any rural location, there are a few limitations to be aware of. The hospital is well set up for general care and acute presentations, and they do the best they can with the resources available.

That said, there are some noticeable service gaps. For instance, there’s no resident specialist coverage, aside from visiting gynaecologists, most patients need to be referred out to Broome or Perth for anything more complex. I had a few work cover patients who were quite unwell, I ended up initiating treatment and coordinating referrals for further care in the metro centres. That sort of hands-on continuity was really satisfying.

There’s also a real need for doctors with advanced emergency skills, like Neonatal Resus. So if you have paeds, ED, or procedural experience, you’ll absolutely be appreciated here.

As for the infrastructure itself, the physical setup is pretty functional, and the staff make it work. My biggest challenge was the EMR system, it was a bit clunky, and the GP clinic software didn’t always align with what was used in other rooms or the hospital.

All up, the hospital services the community well, but it really leans on adaptable, well-rounded GPs to fill in the gaps. If you’re confident managing a range of presentations and happy to be resourceful, you’ll be fine here.

Any local inside information we should know about?  Best swimming spots, lookouts, bike or walk trails? Share with us your favourites!

Derby might be small and remote, but it really does have its own charm if you know where to look. One of the highlights for me was visiting the Fitzroy River, it’s absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. I also went down to the Derby Jetty, which is a popular local spot for fishing. The tides there are wild, some of the biggest in the world! You’ll see locals casting a line in the evenings, often with a beer in hand.

There’s a peacefulness to the town, but you do need to plan ahead. Most places close early, even the petrol stations shut by 7pm, and there’s only one ATM in town.

I didn’t go to the Boab Festival while I was there, it sounded fun, but it was super crowded. But it’s nice knowing the town gets behind community events and has that vibrant, festive side when the timing’s right.