Graphic: More Queenslanders receive healthcare as the Flying Doctor continues to spread its wings
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) provided more than 240 occasions of care across the state each day.
Our yearly reports show the Flying Doctor provided more than 89,000 occasions of care to patients across Queensland over a 12-month period - an increase of more than 20 per cent on the previous year, largely due to a rise in the number of immunisations administered to patients in regional, rural, and remote communities.
Specifically, the annual figures show we provided vital healthcare services including:
10,780 immunisations
35,146 patient consultations via RFDS-run GP and Nurse clinics
12,240 mental health and wellbeing consultations through dedicated services across the state’s West and Far North including for young people through headspace Cairns*
17,126 remote consultation calls through the RFDS Telehealth Service
1,629 dental consultations via the RFDS Dental Service
Meanwhile,, our crews transported more than 12,000 patients via the organisation’s aeromedical retrieval service which includes both emergency retrievals, and the inter-hospital transfer service, which is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government.
In delivering both aeromedical and primary health care services across Queensland, RFDS Pilots flew more than 8 million kilometres.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said the organisation would continue to grow its services to meet the increasing need.
“On the ground, in the air, and behind the scenes, I’m incredibly proud to work alongside the dedicated team across RFDS as we continue to advocate for the communities we serve and improve healthcare for people in regional, rural, and remote Queensland,” Ms Staib said.
“From accessing a COVID-19 vaccination to speaking to one of our expert mental health clinicians or getting a dental check-up, to being transported in an emergency, our teams help ensure Queenslanders in the furthest corners of our state can access the care they need.
“As we prepare to enter the 95th year of the Flying Doctor, we remain committed to transforming, innovating, and expanding our services to ensure we’re able to lead the way in delivering healthcare to Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”
