Request a Memory Lane Journey

About the Memory Lane Service

Memory Lane is a service of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Victoria. We provide individuals with a terminal or life-limiting illness the opportunity to visit a place of meaning. Since 2021 Memory Lane has taken more than 100 clients to their special place. We have taken people to their favourite beach, to watch their beloved footy team, to attend a family wedding or graduation, to have one more vanilla slice at the local bakery, and perhaps most often, a final trip home.

A few important things to know about Memory Lane:

• Our service is staffed by volunteers with a health care background.
• Trips are subject to the availability of volunteers and our custom vehicles.
• The more notice we have, the more likely we are to be able to make the trip happen. While we will always try our best to make a journey request happen, lead time of at least 4-5 days is appreciated.
• Memory Lane journeys are ‘comfort care only’, which means that in the event the client’s condition deteriorates on the journey, we provide comfort measures only. This includes oxygen, suction, positioning and temperature control. We do not give CPR, defibrillation, or other life extending measures.
• The client is accompanied on the journey by a family member, friend or carer, and up to three people can accompany the individual. Children who are old enough to be able to travel without a car or booster seat are welcome. Requests to bring pets are considered on a case-by-case basis. The same is true for people who do not have someone to accompany them.
• Client medication and care are provided by the individuals accompanying them.

Memory Lane is available to individuals who meet the following eligibility criteria

• Age 18 or older
• Has a terminal or life-limiting diagnosis
• Require specialised medical transport to visit their place of choice. We transport using a fully hydraulic stretcher and have a wheelchair available for individuals who can tolerate sitting at their destination.
• Their treating clinician (doctor or nurse practitioner) give approval for the journey.
• If the client has complex care needs, we will ask that a qualified health care practitioner accompany them. We can discuss this with you if you are unsure.

Memory Lane Service Goals of Care

• The Memory Lane service is volunteer run and all journeys are subject to the availability of volunteers and suitable vehicles.
• RFDS Victoria is only able to transport clients in non-life-threatening circumstances to places of personal significance. If a client’s condition deteriorates during the journey, volunteers can provide basic life support only, and will request an ambulance by calling triple zero.
• A family member and/or carer is expected to accompany a client.
• Only clients, their carers or family members or an accompanying qualified health practitioner can administer client medication.