State Government announces $800m contract to expand Royal Flying Doctor Service in regional WA

A new funding deal will boost aeromedical services across regional WA by improving the capacity of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

On Friday morning the State Government announced a 10-year contract with the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, valued at more than $800 million, would be implemented to help expand aeromedical services.

It comes after the RFDS conducted a feasibility study on April 12, to determine the possibility of providing aeromedical transfers from the Abrolhos Islands.

The RFDS funding announcement also comes amid a chorus of calls for a rescue helicopter to be based in the Mid West, which have so far failed to sway the State Government.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the agreement would make a more cohesive, streamlined, integrated transport service that has been specifically designed in the best interests of regional, rural and remote patients.

The contract introduces increased staffing by more than 21 full-time equivalents, comprising doctors, nurses and pilots.

“It provides a clear road map for aeromedical patient transport services now and into the future,” Ms Sanderson said.

The deal aims to ensure timely and effective medical interventions in remote areas of the State.

RFDS bases in Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland will see expanded operational capabilities, reinforcing their pivotal role in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The partnership is in collaboration with the WA Country Health Service and St John Ambulance WA, facilitating data sharing and resource use to enhance response times and overall operational efficiency.

Currently, RFDS WA and WACHS jointly manage more than 7500 inter-hospital patient transfers annually, a number set to grow under the new framework.

“This contract enshrines the need for those services to be delivered in partnership with the rest of the health system,” Ms Sanderson said.