The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) and LifeFlight Foundation have received funding to support the organisations’ work in delivering emergency, lifesaving medical care to seriously ill and injured people.
An amount of $50,000 has been awarded to each of the rescue organisations through Bundaberg Regional Council's Partnership and Sponsorship Program.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said Council was proud to support two organisations who do so much for the community.
“The RFDS provides an essential patient transfer service in the Wide Bay with over 1900 flights performed each year,” he said.
“Likewise, the LifeFlight Bundaberg Rescue Helicopter provides an emergency response service for thousands of people in need.
“Non-for-profit services like RFDS and LifeFlight bring peace of mind to the community, knowing loved ones can be responded to quickly and efficiently.”
The RFDS Bundaberg Base includes a new Patient Transfer Facility and is located in the new Aeromedical Precinct adjoining the Bundaberg Airport. It commenced operations in March 2020.
The Aeromedical Precinct is a joint facility which accommodates the LifeFlight Helicopter Rescue Service and the RFDS base.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib thanked Bundaberg Regional Council for the generous donation.
“A total of 1930 patients were transferred through our RFDS Bundaberg Base last year,” she said.
“Vital support, such as that provided by Bundaberg Regional Council, helps fund aeromedical retrievals, as well as a broad range of essential primary and preventative healthcare services, right across the state.
“We are incredibly grateful for this donation and I’d like to thank both Council and the Bundaberg community for your continued support of the Flying Doctor.”
LifeFlight Director Rotary Wing Operations Brian Guthrie said the organisation had enjoyed a successful relationship with Council for many years.
“At the last general meeting, councillors unanimously voted to provide the LifeFlight Foundation with $50,000, from Council’s Partnerships & Sponsorships Grants Program,” he said.
“Since the start of the year, Bundy crews have flown more than 100 critical missions. Those airlifts are valued at more than $25,000 each, but come at absolutely no cost to the patient.”
