The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides a vital role for patient carrier services in rural and regional Tasmania
The State Government must guarantee full consultation with the RFDS as they move towards renewing their contract in 2011
There is a role for both fixed-wing and helicopter medical retrieval
The State Labor Government must recognise the vital role that the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides for patient carrier services in rural and regional Tasmania, including the Bass Strait islands.
I raised the issue in a Notice of Motion in Parliament today, and called on the Government to ensure that there is full consultation with the RFDS as they move towards renewing their new contract in 2011.
The RFDS has made a significant investment in remote health services in Tasmania, not only including medical retrieval, but improving dental services on Flinders Island, through its own fundraising efforts, and building airport facilities.
It has recently won a million-dollar project from the Commonwealth to install a state of the art aero-medical training simulator at Western Junction, near Launceston, which could be at risk if they lose the contract in 2011.
The 2007 Sharley report re-opened the decade-long debate of fixed wing vs. rotor wing aircraft (helicopter) for medical retrieval, and recommended increased use of the existing Police helicopter as a “cheaper” option than buying a second fixed-wing plane to be based in Hobart, or a second helicopter to be based in Launceston.
The Liberals recognise the need for the use of both fixed wing and helicopter services and that both aircraft have their benefits and limitations. Together, all bases can be covered.
The issue is about more than instances where a helicopter may be more appropriate than a fixed wing aircraft. There are indeed other times when a helicopter may be more appropriate than an ambulance.
We are extremely concerned at the lack of commitment to the RFDS and its base in Launceston after 2010 as publicly expressed by the Minister for Health, noting that this will be just after the next State Election.
The Government must ensure that there is full consultation with the RFDS as they move towards renewing the new contract in 2011.
Due weight must also be given to the importance of maintaining fixed wing services, levels of investment and the quality service provided by the RFDS as part of the essential mix of options available for patient retrieval services in this State.
Sue Napier MP Liberal Member for Bass
