New plane boosts RFDS fleet

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has added a new state-of-the-art aircraft to its Western Fleet thanks to State Government funding.

The $7.9 million Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft was unveiled last week and is specially fitted with aerodynamic technology, enabling it to provide inter-hospital transport throughout WA.

Health Minister Roger Cook said he was pleased to continue the ongoing support to the RFDS through the WA Country Health Service.

“Vast distances between regional towns and Perth means sometimes the only way to get seriously ill and critically injured patients to the doctors and treatment they need is by air,” he said.

“Providing quality healthcare is a team effort and the successful partnership between WA Country Health Service and the RFDS is testament to this, but they can’t do it alone.”

Mr Cook also urged the Federal Government to fund its “fair share” to the RFDS.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Federal Government had provided $200 million in funding to the RFDS and wanted to see it continued.

“In the North West of WA we also contributed $2.7 million to the new Broome RFDS base in Broome, which will further enhance cost effectiveness,” she said.