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RFDS struggling to service WA
2 Feb 2007
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is struggling to provide service to Western Australia’s county health system and needs $35 million every year just to stay in the air. Mr Crook, Western Operations chairman, said, "We are currently in the biggest boom in living memory and yet regional services where we need them the most are being neglected." Mr Crook said virtually every life-threatening case had to be flown to Perth. "We need $35 million every year just to deliver our services. About $27 million comes from the Commonwealth and State Governments but the rest is up to us," Mr Crook said. A spokesperson for Health Minister Jim McGinty said the State Government was investing $1 billion in upgrading hospitals and health facilities throughout WA. "The government has committed to a $40 million redevelopment of Kalgoorlie Hospital into a regional resource centre," the spokesman said. "The redevelopment of the hospital will include the expansion and refurbishment of the emergency department, as well as major upgrades to medical imaging facilities, day surgery, theatres and sterilization areas."
The West Australian, 2/2/2007
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