Published Wednesday, 09 July, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH LAUNCHES NEW ‘WINGS’ FOR ROYAL FLYING DOCTORS
A new iconic life saver will take to the skies today, with Premier Anna Bligh officially launching a new aircraft for the Queensland Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Ms Bligh officially launched the new $7 million Beechcraft King Air B200, which will increase the RFDS capacity to transfer critically ill patients across Queensland.
“In its 80th year, I recently named the Royal Flying Doctor Service as a Queensland Great – it is an icon in this State and delivers critical medical support to thousands of Queenslanders, particularly in regional and remote areas.
“Last year, the RFDS Queensland aeromedically transported 9,600 Queenslanders - an average of 26 patients per day – and this number continues to grow.
“The addition of this aircraft will boost the RFDS capacity to transfer critically ill patients between hospitals.
“An ICU in the sky, it is fitted with lifesaving equipment to transport patients from regional and remote parts of the state to major centres for specialist care.
“Of the $33.8 million the Government has committed to RFDS this year, $17 million will be dedicated to this essential service, which saves lives every day.”
Ms Bligh said the aircraft itself had been funded completely through donations.
“It is an outstanding example of community and corporate support that this state-of-the-art aircraft has been funded through the generosity of Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“Without such support, RFDS would cease to exist and a critical lifeline for the bush would be lost,” she said.
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)
Ms Bligh officially launched the new $7 million Beechcraft King Air B200, which will increase the RFDS capacity to transfer critically ill patients across Queensland.
“In its 80th year, I recently named the Royal Flying Doctor Service as a Queensland Great – it is an icon in this State and delivers critical medical support to thousands of Queenslanders, particularly in regional and remote areas.
“Last year, the RFDS Queensland aeromedically transported 9,600 Queenslanders - an average of 26 patients per day – and this number continues to grow.
“The addition of this aircraft will boost the RFDS capacity to transfer critically ill patients between hospitals.
“An ICU in the sky, it is fitted with lifesaving equipment to transport patients from regional and remote parts of the state to major centres for specialist care.
“Of the $33.8 million the Government has committed to RFDS this year, $17 million will be dedicated to this essential service, which saves lives every day.”
Ms Bligh said the aircraft itself had been funded completely through donations.
“It is an outstanding example of community and corporate support that this state-of-the-art aircraft has been funded through the generosity of Queensland,” Ms Bligh said.
“Without such support, RFDS would cease to exist and a critical lifeline for the bush would be lost,” she said.
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)