The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) officially opened a new purpose-built Patient Transfer Facility at the RFDS Rockhampton Base on Friday 17 April 2015.
The new facility was opened by RFDS Chairman Bill Mellor and Cr Margaret Strelow, Mayor Rockhampton Region.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Mr Di Marco said the opening of the patient transfer facility was a significant milestone for the RFDS Rockhampton Base.
"Thousands of patients will benefit from this new facility which has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the local community.
"The RFDS greatly appreciates the generosity of supporters across Central Queensland and our major funding partners Rockhampton City Council, Aurizon Community Giving Fund, Stanwell Power Station Community Fund, The John Villiers Trust, the RFDS Rockhampton Auxiliary and Rotary," Mr Di Marco said.
"The tremendous support for this project will provide a lasting legacy that will make a difference to the lives of many patients and their loved ones," he said.
The new Facility will allow us to separate our aeromedical operations from our maintenance activities, leading to improved safety, patient care and working environment for our Rockhampton-based team, and the adoption of a new aircraft maintenance system," he said.
Cr Margaret Strelow, Mayor, Rockhampton Region said the opening of the new patient transfer facility was great news for the Rockhampton community and for the RFDS.
"The new patient transfer facility, designed by dm2architecture and built by Lanskey Constructions Pty Ltd, includes improved weather protection and disabled toilets, and will also provide RFDS patients, their family and carers with a more comfortable and private waiting area, which will be especially important to those being transferred with small children," said Cr Strelow.
Rockhampton local and mother of two Belinda Fisk, whose daughter Annabelle was transferred to Brisbane by the RFDS when she was just 12 days old, said she was very grateful that the RFDS was able to fly Annabelle to Brisbane to get the specialist care she needed.
"It's nice to know that no matter where you live, because of the RFDS, you can still access the same level of healthcare as if you were living in a capital city."
"I'm excited to be here today to celebrate the opening of this great new facility which will provide a private and welcoming environment for patients like Annabelle awaiting a transfer with the Flying Doctor," she said.
Cr Margaret Strelow, Mayor, Rockhampton Region will join the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) board and management team as well as current and past staff members, past patients, supporters, and suppliers to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the RFDS Rockhampton Base at an event in Rockhampton on Friday 17 April 2015.
