RFDS (Queensland Section) has successfully installed the leading satellite service, Starlink, to boost connectivity and efficiency for crews delivering healthcare services in the furthest corners of the state.
RFDS Executive General Manager of Digital and Technology David Harvey said during the past financial year 19 satellite dishes were installed including 16 at remote primary health care clinics, two at the RFDS Cairns Base and one on the RFDS Mobile Dental Unit that can be activated when the dental truck arrives at a new clinic location.
“Many of the remote locations where we provide GP, nursing, mental health and oral health services have no or limited internet,” David said.
“This has made it incredibly difficult for our staff to access resources, patient records or allow for prescriptions to be sent and printed remotely.”
The first permanent Starlink connection was installed at the Urandangi clinic in December 2022 as a trial.
This was a huge milestone for the team as it provided clear evidence that they had found an innovative solution to providing the finest care off-grid.
“Starlink has improved staff engagement and experience by giving them access to RFDS corporate systems from remote locations including the use of the internet, email and social media for their safety, mental health and wellbeing when travelling for extended periods,” David said.
Two Starlink mobile kits are also available to staff who need internet connectivity and short distance Wi-Fi coverage at remote events, such as the Big Red Bash, or for emergency response work following a natural disaster.
“Innovation has always been at the heart of the Flying Doctor and it’s incredibly exciting to have connectivity options we have never had before,” David said.
“It's extremely satisfying for the team to be patient-focused and contribute improvements to the services we provide as an organisation.”
The team is currently looking into extending the installation of Starlink into the remainder of our remote PHC clinics and patient transfer facilities, where it is commercially viable, to expand the network further.
Starlink is also being evaluated as a backup network service at our bases to provide additional resilience in the event of a significant network outage.
