Better health and ageing for all Australians

Media Releases

Minister thanks rural lifesavers for 75 years of service

At the commencement of Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) Week, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, has thanked the RFDS for its 75 years of service to rural and regional Australians. The RFDS has supplied emergency and primary health care services to people in rural and remote Australia since 1928.

In this section:

12 May 2003

Minister thanks rural lifesavers for 75 years of service

At the commencement of Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) Week today, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, thanked the RFDS for its 75 years of service to rural and regional Australians.

"The RFDS has supplied emergency and primary health care services to people in rural and remote Australia since 1928. They are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - providing a unique Australian solution for unique Australian challenges," Senator Patterson said.

"The Government is committed to ensuring people in rural and remote areas receive quality health care services and looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with the RFDS through the funding grants it has provided for more than 40 years."

Last year the Government provided over $20 million in funding to the service. This support allows the RFDS to provide services such as 24-hour emergency care, primary health care clinics in remote areas and inter-hospital transfers.

"Before the establishment of the RDFS serious illness or injuries often meant death for people in rural and remote Australia. Thankfully, today this is no longer the case.

"The RFDS should be regarded as a national treasure. I think it is particularly timely, at the start of Royal Flying Doctors Service Week, to thank the people who work for the service - the health professionals, pilots, support staff, mechanics, volunteers and fundraisers. They are a very special brand of people who work tirelessly for the people of rural and remote Australia," Senator Patterson said.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Week commences today and runs until May 18.

 

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.