The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDS) welcomes today’s announcement of $15m in funding from the NSW Government and Minister for Health to support vital RFDS services for regional, rural and remote communities.
Greg Sam, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section), said, “This funding recognises the key partnership role we play in the NSW health system, particularly in rural and remote communities where our services are needed most.”
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is very proud of its 97 year history of providing emergency medical and healthcare to people living in regional, rural and remote NSW. We are unique because we are embedded in the fabric of regional NSW, and because our specialist medical teams can go where others cannot. We provide services to communities where in many cases there would be no health services if it were not for the RFDS,” said Greg Sam.
“From our GPs at our local medical centres, our emergency doctors on call, and our planes at the ready for both emergency and non-emergency healthcare, we are proud to work as part of the NSW health system frontline, providing vital healthcare services to rural and remote communities in need,” said Greg Sam.“Every year more than half our funding comes from donations and other RFDS activities, which we invest in delivering healthcare services to the farthest corners of NSW where others cannot reach. We are very grateful to our generous donors for their dedicated ongoing support and recognition for the important work we do.”
“Every year more than half our funding comes from donations and other RFDS activities, which we invest in delivering healthcare services to the farthest corners of NSW where others cannot reach. We are very grateful to our generous donors for their dedicated ongoing support and recognition for the important work we do.”
“Today’s funding announcement by the NSW Government is appreciated. It will contribute to ensuring that regional, rural and remote communities can access vital life-saving, medical and healthcare services.”
RFDS: Embedded in the regions – a unique local healthcare provider
RFDS is unique. It is deeply rooted within the regional and rural communities that it serves, with more than two thirds of its specialist workforce living locally and working out of its two main bases at Broken Hill and Dubbo, in Western NSW.
A significant portion of RFDS operations is concentrated in the electorate of Barwon, where approximately half of our services are delivered.
“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from our local MP, the Member of Barwon, Roy Butler, who understands the scope, breadth and value of our services and whose advocacy has been instrumental in securing this funding,” said Greg Sam.
“I would also like to recognise the work of another of our local MPs, Dr. Joe McGirr, Member for Wagga Wagga and Chair of the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, for his advocacy and leadership, particularly in highlighting the critical need for sustainable healthcare funding and services in rural and regional areas.”
Minister for Health, Ryan Park, shares his thoughts on the importance of the RFDS to NSW.
Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, shares his thoughts on the importance of the RFDS to his communities in Barwon.
