As a member of your state or territory Rural Doctors Association, you are directly helping your association and RDAA to advocate strongly on behalf of rural doctors and the communities they serve. We greatly value your membership and the essential financial support it brings.
To provide even more value for your membership, RDAA has a Members Premium Package which includes substantial discounts (available only to RDA members) on a wide range of products and services. Here’s what we are currently offering.
Please note that all participating organisations will contact RDAA to confirm your membership status prior to providing you with the member discount.
Westpac Banking Corporation
RDA members can receive a discount on the standard EFTPOS rate when they bill patients through the EFTPOS system. For further information contact Merchant Business Solutions on 1800 029 749. RDA members, together with other doctors, are also able to access the Westpac Medical Practitioner Loan Package, which offers a substantially lower interest rate for a variety of loan products.
To find out more, contact Social Sector Banker, Rose Stellino, on (02) 6275 5321. Westpac is a generous sponsor of RDAA’s annual Rural Doctor of the Year Award, Rural Registrar of the Year Award, and Medical Student of the Year Award.
Discounted vehicle hire through Budget’s Budget Buddies program
RDA members can now receive 2.5% off the best available rate when renting a vehicle with Budget.
For immediate bookings, go online at www.budget.com.au or call Budget reservations on 1800 111 102 and quote BCD# N023808 to ensure you receive your special Budget Buddies rate.
UNSW Bookshop
UNSW Bookshop provides RDA members with a 10% discount on a wide range of titles, from medical references and small business titles through to fiction, travel, cookbooks and much more. For fast delivery to your home or practice, visit UNSW Bookshop’s special webpage for RDA members at www.bookshop.unsw.edu.au/rdaa to view the range of titles on offer. And if there’s a book you want but can’t find, email orders@bookshop.unsw.edu.au or phone (02) 9385 6689 and the Bookshop’s staff will be happy to help.
Health Legal lawyers
Health Legal is a boutique law firm providing legal advice and assistance to the medical and health sector. The Health Legal team specialises in providing litigation, legislative compliance, contracting, training and medico-legal advisory services. RDA members are eligible to receive:
- a 7% discount on legal services and staff training on legal issues (such as patient confidentiality, consent, duty of care, attending the Coroners Court, introduction to contract law etc) provided by Health Legal
- discounts of between 15% and 25% on standard form agreements developed by Health Legal, covering issues such as leases, letters of appointment for staff and service agreements
For more information on this offer, contact Natalie Franks, Principal of Health Legal, on (03) 9865 1300 or email natalie.franks@healthlegal.com.au. Further information on Health Legal can also be found at www.healthlegal.com.au.
MEDIPROTECT insurance brokers
Need an insurance package that is best suited to you and your practice? MEDIPROTECT insurance brokers can assist! MEDIPROTECT offers unique products including commercial and office packages for medical practices, dental practices and day surgeries. It also provides a comprehensive choice of medical liability and professional risk covers for the practice, practitioner, and mental health or GP nurse. MEDIPROTECT is offering RDA members a 10% discount on its:
- Health Professional Plus insurance package—this policy is a property and business package designed specifically for the healthcare profession. It offers flexibility and economical premiums without the loss of cover and benefits.
- General Practice Staff and Entity Professional Risks insurance package—this cover protects the business entity and GP
practice staff from liability claims for compensation. There are various levels of indemnity available and rural practices can automatically receive discounted premiums due to their location and lower risk indicators.
For more information, contact MEDIPROTECT on 1800 177 163 or email admin@imga.com.au (please mention that you are an RDA member). Further information on MEDIPROTECT can also be found at www.mediprotect.com.au.
Accommodation at Quest Serviced Apartments
Quest proudly boasts the largest network of serviced apartments in Australasia. With over 125 properties throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Quest is your accommodation solution.
Most apartments offer separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. All properties offer a unique suite of guest services including pantry shopping, chargeback at selected local restaurants, business administration, valet laundry and dry-cleaning. Quest properties are based in central business districts, suburban and key regional areas, making them perfect for business and extended stays.
Quest is offering RDA members corporate rates at all its properties—to view the full list, visit
www.questapartments.com.au. Bookings should be made direct with properties.
RDA membership also includes substantial benefits provided by RDAA
Free advertising for RDA members
RDAA offers free space on its website for RDA members who wish to advertise vacancies in their practice (the cost to non-members is $220 per month). The Rural Health Vacancies page can be found at www.rdaa.com.au and a link is provided to the page in each edition of RDAA’s fortnightly member e-bulletin, RuralDoc.com. To place your free advert, contact Patrick Daley on (02) 6239 7730 or media@rdaa.com.au.
As an RDA member, you will also receive:
- access to RDAA’s information products
- RDAA’s twice yearly, member-only magazine, Rural Pulse
- our fortnightly member-only e-bulletin, RuralDoc.com
- regular member-only e-updates when key issues arise, major announcements are made, or feedback is sought from members (this service is available to RDA members who have provided us with their email address rather than their fax number—to provide your email address, please contact Linda Huf on (02) 6239 7730 or email office@rdaa.com.au)
- RDAA’s Rural Roundup newsletter (sent twice yearly to most rural doctors across Australia)
and of course, you will continue to enjoy all the benefits that are provided by your state Rural Doctors Association, as well as the high-level representation that they and RDAA undertake on your behalf with governments, their departments and other stakeholders at the state and federal levels