The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will launch new staff amenities at a presentation at Hobart International Airport Administration and Facilities Offices, 6 Hinkler Street, Cambridge on Wednesday 15 June 2016 at 5.30 pm.
During the proceedings, RFDS Tasmania President, Malcolm White will recognise the kind support of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Ltd (Royal Wolf), Better Homes & Gardens, Bunnings Glenorchy Warehouse and Hobart International Airport.
Dignitaries attending the launch include Senator the Hon Eric Abetz, Senator the Hon Lisa Singh, the Hon Julie Collins MHR, the Hon Tony Mulder MLC, Member for Rumney, the Hon Rob Valentine MLC, Member for Hobart, the Hon James Wilkinson MLC, Member for Nelson, the Hon Jos Willie MLC, Member for Elwick, Mayor Doug Chipman, City of Clarence and Dr David Alcorn, CEO of the Tasmanian Health Service.
Earlier this year Better Homes and Gardens and Royal Wolf chose the RFDS as the recipient of an impressive renovation makeover of two 20-foot shipping containers completed on site at Bunnings Glenorchy Warehouse. Royal Wolf kindly donated the shipping containers and their transfer to Hobart Airport. Better Homes and Gardens donated the impressive makeover filmed for an episode of Channel 7's lifestyle program and Hobart International Airport provided support to have the containers installed at the airport.
The renovated containers now provide a physical presence for the RFDS at Hobart Airport and are situated in very close proximity to where the aircraft lands. The well-appointed amenities are fitted with plumbing and electricity and comprise a comfortable bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge/dining rooms.
In Tasmania, the RFDS works in partnership with Ambulance Tasmania to fill the vital role in the delivery of essential health care services by supplying the state's fixed wing air-ambulance. The service operates 24/7 to provide Tasmanians with services which include emergency trauma evacuations and inter-hospital transfers to take patients to the specialist care they need.
During 2014/15, the RFDS aircraft touched down 436 times at Hobart Airport.
Malcolm White said, "Since 1998, the RFDS has operated from our base at Launceston Airport and it has been our hope for many years to have suitable amenities for our pilots and the Ambulance Tasmania paramedics at Hobart International Airport."
"As a charitable organisation, this very generous gift provides a modern and comfortable base for our hard working crew to rest while waiting for patients to be transferred to the airport, through all hours of the day and night," Mr White said.
