New aircraft boosts Royal Flying Doctor Service in Rockhampton

Aero-medical services in Central Queensland are being enhanced by a new aircraft operating from Rockhampton’s Royal Flying Doctor Service base.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson and State Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce today officially launched the expanded service in Rockhampton, which now hosts two RFDS aircraft.

“This new aircraft effectively doubles the aircraft capacity of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Rockhampton,” Mr Robertson said.

“It will help to ensure our sickest patients have timely access to health services at the most appropriate hospital.

“This is especially important in Central Queensland, where demand for aero-medical services continues to grow.

“In 2008 the Flying Doctor based in Rockhampton transported 2154 patients, a 20 per cent increase on 2007.

“This is part of a trend we’re seeing right across Queensland, with the demand for aero-medical interfacility transfers increasing by around 10 per cent a year.”

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government had doubled its funding for the RFDS over the past three years to almost $70 million, including a $30.4 million allocation in 2007-08.

“More patients than ever are now benefiting from the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” he said.

“Over the past three years, the RFDS has transported more than 24,000 patients on behalf of Queensland Health.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the RFDS to deliver Queenslanders safe and sustainable flying doctor services.”

Mr Pearce said the RFDS had provided an essential service to Queenslanders in regional and remote areas for more than 80 years.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service has expanded from a one-aircraft operation in Cloncurry 80 years ago to an iconic Australian institution,” he said. “With 14 aircraft operating out of seven bases, the RFDS covers a vast area of more than 1.7 million square kilometres.”

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680