MOST patients who need emergency transport from the Shire of Gingin to Perth are taken by St John Ambulance with the Royal Flying Doctor Service playing a lesser role.
A Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) spokeswoman said while the organisation could fly to Gingin most patients were transferred by road.
She said the last time RFDS responded to a patient in the Shire of Gingin was in 2012 via the rescue helicopter.
Once past the Shire of Gingin and other shires bordering the metropolitan area the RFDS plays a more prominent role in the transfer of patients.
On May 28 in RFDS vital if Covid-19 flares in regional areas Yanchep News Online reported on some pre-proof RFDS research titled COVID-19 activity and surge modelling for rural and remote Australia.
The research said modelling indicated if Covid-19 activity increased, the RFDS would need more aircraft to transport patients to inner-regional and major city hospitals.
“However, if Covid-19 activity was to increase to 10 patients per day per RFDS area of operations, many of the mild cases would need to remain within their communities for an extended period of time, potentially increasing the risk of community transfer,’’ the research said.
“As such, it is important to ensure the RFDS has adequate funding, workforce and equipment to allow it to respond in the event of increased Covid-19 activity.”
Australia-wide in just four days between December 30, 2018 to January 2, 2019 the RFDS:
- Undertook 700 flights to evacuate 376 patients (of which 96 were indigenous, 202 non-indigenous and 78 unknown) – 28 of these patients were less than 5-years-old, and 105 were in the 65+ age group.
- 72 of these patients were transported for injury or poisoning
- 54 for heart troubles
- 39 for diseases of the digestive system
- 17 for respiratory issues.
- 13 for mental health troubles
- 11 patients were transported for labour or pregnancy complications and babies needing urgent specialist care.
- The RFDS flew for 759 hours, covering 247,965km in the four days.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, September 13 the RFDS released a statement about former NSW premier John Fahey who died on Saturday, September 12.
The statement said Mr Fahey, in addition to his political and social roles, was an independent councillor for the Australia Council of the Royal Flying Doctor Service from 2003 to 2006.
“John Fahey played a key role in a national governance review and restructure of the RFDS, laying the foundation for the structure that has continued to serve the organisation through to today,” the statement said.
“Today the RFDS structure reflects John’s insight and dedication and for that we are forever grateful.
“His legacy sees the RFDS serving more than 1000 patients daily and continuing to improve health outcomes for those in the bush.”
RFDS federation board chairman Nev Power said Mr Fahey would be missed by RFDS staff and board members and they extended their deepest condolences to his wife Colleen and his children Melanie and Matthew.
Mr Power, who is chairman of Perth Airport and chairman of the Foundation for the WA Museum and held the position of managing director and chief executive officer of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd for seven years, was announced as the new RFDS federation board chairman in December last year.
He was also appointed to the Strike Energy board in September last year.
RFDS said Mr Power had a strong history in agribusiness and aviation and holds both fixed wing and rotary commercial pilot licenses.
“Mr Power is an advocate for health and development of regional and Aboriginal communities and he owns and operates a cattle station in western Queensland where he was born and raised.
“He lives in Western Australia and is one of three independent board members on the federation board.’’
To contact RFDS visit: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/contact/
