Construction is well underway on Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) Tasmania's new Launceston Airport base.
VOS Constructions have been tasked to deliver the $21 million Hangar 90 redevelopment.
First opened in 1998, the facility the facility has become outdated and no longer meets the needs of a growing service.
RFDS Tasmania CEO Nicole Henty said the project, jointly funded by $15 million from the Australian Government and $6 million from the Tasmanian Government, would strengthen medical retrieval capability statewide and expand the delivery of dental, physical and mental healthcare services to rural and remote communities.
The Launceston Base redevelopment will ensure RFDS Tasmania can continue to support the delivery of high quality emergency and primary health care to Tasmanians, when and where they need it most.
Nicole Henty - CEO RFDS Tasmania
“Modern, fit‑for‑purpose facilities are critical to maintaining safe and efficient operations,' she said.
The redevelopment follows the signing of a 10‑year contract with Ambulance Tasmania in December last year to continue delivering fixed‑wing aeromedical services for Tasmanians in their time of need, supported by a new Beechcraft King Air B350.
The new base will include facilities for world‑class clinical care, increased capacity for fixed‑wing aircraft and the ability to accommodate rotary‑wing aircraft when required.
It will also improve ground vehicle transfer capability and provide the space needed to support surge staff during periods of high demand.
Once complete, the upgraded base will increase the reach of RFDS Tasmania’s mental health, dental and general practitioner services into regional communities, while maintaining the urgent care capability that has already saved many Tasmanian lives.
Tasmanian Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Bridget Archer said the combined effort would help support Tasmanians across the State for years to come.
“Once complete, this new airbase will enhance the delivery of these vital services, which ensure patients can be safely transferred between health facilities across Tasmania and interstate," Mrs Archer said.
“The redevelopment will boost fixed-wing aeromedical responses throughout Tasmania and also provide improved facilities to support transiting rotary-wing aircraft during complex deployments - strengthening access to timely emergency care for Tasmanians.”
The construction phase is expected to support up to 62 full time jobs, and once operational, the new base will create up to 41 ongoing jobs in Tasmanian healthcare.
Federal Assistant Health and Aged Care Minister Rebecca White said the RFDS played a critical role in connecting rural communities with essential care.
"The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a lifeline for so many Tasmanians, delivering essential care and connecting people in rural communities with the health services and support they need," she said.
"This investment will strengthen the Royal Flying Doctor Service's work, so more Tasmanians can get the care they need, no matter where they live."
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