New Royal Flying Doctor plane ready to serve Australia
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in south eastern Australia has been strengthened by a new Beechcraft King Air B200, purchased with the assistance of $4.8 million Federal Government funding.
Launched by the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, the twin-engine plane will significantly enhance patient care and comfort, and its new medical fit out will be a boost to the vital life-saving work of the RFDS.
Based at Dubbo, it is one of three new Federal Government funded aircraft for the RFDS South Eastern Section to service New South Wales, regional Victoria, Tasmania, south west Queensland and northern South Australia.
Mr Snowdon said the Federal Government’s contribution to the aircraft is part of more than $38 million over four years for the RFDS South Eastern Section, and $247 million for the RFDS nationally.
“This significant Government funding helps ensure emergency aero-medical evacuation and primary health care services to people living in rural and remote Australia.
“It also assists with the purchase of aircraft, more equipment and the refurbishment of buildings and hangars,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The vision of RFDS founder, the Reverend John Flynn, to provide ‘a mantle of safety’ for the courageous pioneers of inland Australia, has the full commitment of this Government.
“The Australian health system is struggling with changing demographics and burgeoning chronic disease, but as the Rudd Government begins the necessary process of reform, the RFDS remains a critical part of health service delivery to rural and remote Australia.
“For over eighty years the Royal Flying Doctor Service has given those in remote and isolated areas medical support and this Government is committed to ensuring this continues.”
