The Wimmera region will have a new patient transport service, with an agreement signed today between Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria and the Wimmera Health Care Group (WHCG).
RFDS Victoria Chief Executive Scott Chapman said he was delighted the Flying Doctors were entering into an agreement with WHCG to provide non-emergency patient transport through its Mobile Patient Care service.
“We’re excited about bringing the skills and resources of our organisations together to provide quality service for the Wimmera,” Mr Chapman said.
“It’s very important for regional and rural Victorians suffering serious illness or chronic conditions to have access to patient transport services.
“These people may have to travel from country areas into regional centres or Melbourne for specialist care, which can be a big stress on them and their families – at a time when they’re already facing serious health challenges.
“Mobile Patient Care brings the reputation, experience and expertise of the Royal Flying Doctor Service to non-emergency patient transport in Victoria.”
Wimmera Health Care Group Chief Executive Chris Scott said the agreement was an important step in securing long-term non-emergency patient transport services for the region.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service has established itself in the region and this agreement is an important extension of their commitment to the Wimmera and Southern Mallee,” Mr Scott said.
“The Flying Doctors have tailored their service to meet not only our specific non-emergency patient transfer needs but also those of other health services in the Wimmera Southern-Mallee region, using both aircraft and road vehicles to service this demand.
“In endorsing the agreement the Board of Management believed this was a very positive step for health care in the region and paved the way for further strategic partnerships in shared services.”
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a well-respected organisation that has a long history of caring for people in rural and remote areas. We are certainly pleased to partner with them on such an important service."
RFDS Victoria’s Mobile Patient Care service takes people to and from home, specialist treatment and hospital, with a fleet of road vehicles across the State. This includes bases at Horsham and Ballarat, and aircraft capability at Essendon airport.
To donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service call RFDS Victoria on 9429 6344 or go to www.flyingdoctor.org.au
For media enquiries please contact Geoff Fraser (RFDS) on 9429 6344, 0407 360 256
or Amelia Crafter (WHCG) on 5381 9309, 0427 230 985.