From Kangaroo Island to Katherine and everywhere in between, the Flying Doctor COVID-19 team has been hitting the road in recent months to support the national vaccination effort.
To date, the RFDS has visited 28 SA isolated towns and 31 NT outback locations to support local health partners in administering more than 11,000 Pfizer doses to remote and rural residents.
RFDS Executive General Manager, Health Services Development & Clinical Services, Natalie Szabo said a special fridge had to be constructed for the RFDS plane to enable the vaccines to be transported safely.
“The RFDS is extremely proud to work alongside local organisations and health partners to deliver essential COVID-19 vaccinations through the central corridor of Australia,” she said.
“The Flying Doctor is fully equipped to transport vaccines securely whether it be by air or on the ground.
“Through our fly-in bush clinics, remote residents and workers can rely upon a safe and accessible vaccination service to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
In partnership with NT Health, the RFDS Flexi-Fleet community health flights also carried COVID-19 test swabs and PPE to remote sites. The Flying Doctor also worked with the Sunrise Health Service, to transport local clinicians, pathology tests and pharmaceuticals into rural and remote communities in the NT inaccessible by road.
"Where it could have taken up to a week for patients to receive life-changing test results or face-to-face care, the Flying Doctor was able to deliver support within 24 hours to support timely diagnosis and treatment," Ms Szabo said.
