In these unprecedented times when we find ourselves dealing with a global pandemic, RFDS Tasmania would like to assure our friends and supporters that because we are part of Tasmania’s larger health system and considered an essential service, we will not be closing. We will continue to provide essential mental, physical and dental services to those living in remote and rural locations.
RFDS nationally has been transporting patients with confirmed COVID-19 and suspected COVID-19. This includes primary evacuation cases, inter-hospital transfer of patients from rural/remote areas to inner-regional or major city areas for ongoing isolation and hospital care in metropolitan hospitals, and high-risk patients from hospital care to home-based isolation, using aeromedical and road transport services.
In Tasmania we have been able to support the Launceston General Hospital with a mobile COVID-19 testing clinic, using one of our new health buses which was made possible by State Government funding, Rotary Tasmania and community support.
Our primary care and mental health services have moved to a tele-health model and our dental teams are providing emergency care in remote and regional local government areas that can safely facilitate our clinics.
RFDS Tasmania is taking all needful actions to protect our patients and communities.
We ask everyone to follow the advice of Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy, and government directives, designed to keep individuals and the wider community safe.
And we want you to know that while our Launceston base and our Hobart office are temporarily closed to visitors, you can still contact us on (03) 63910509 or at enquiries@rfdstas.org.au
Now, more than ever, we need your support as the pressure increases on all of the RFDS health services.
