This Week's speaker was Jonathan Green who gave us a terrific insight via Zoom into the history and workings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The RFDS is of great history and cultural significance to the people of Australia. The organisation was founded by Rev John Flynn, who has a deep connection with the bush and the people who called it home. He witnessed the daily struggle of pioneers living in remote areas and had a vision to provide a "mantle of safety" for them." "The RFDS fleet of aircraft and road service vehicles help more than 330,000 people every year - one every two minutes. We provide a wide range of vital health care services, from inter-hospital transfers by air and road, to specialist consultations including dentistry and mental health services" Jonathan told us that "although driven by the same philosophies as its intent more than 90 years ago, the RFDS now offer markedly different services to its original operation. Arguably, the greatest amount of growth and change has occurred in Victoria, where the RFDS undertakes a wide range of primary health programs complemented by an extensive patient transport service" Jonathan reported that last year in Victoria, we had 17304 patient contacts, saved 27875 hours of travel for our patients and clients, transported 67,854 patients by road and 561 by air. 1839 transports were for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients and utilised 26 Road and Air bases to achieve this.
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