The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Western Australia (RFDS WA) has launched its 2024 – 2028 Strategy, entitled Above & Beyond.
The Strategy will expand the RFDS’s impact on the Western Australian community in the lead up to its 100-year anniversary in 2028. We are striving to make a tangible and positive difference to the health of people living and working in regional WA.
Health is not equal in WA. A growing body of evidence makes it clear that regional communities are much more likely to experience ill health compared to those in metropolitan areas.
RFDS WA CEO Judith Barker ASM says a major focus of the Strategy is expanding primary health care services in regional and remote communities.
“When a GP or a hospital isn’t close by, health issues can become more serious and eventually cause a greater burden on the wider health system,” Ms Barker said.
Ensuring those who live remotely have access to reliable and high-quality healthcare is essential if we are to achieve better health equality in this state.
Judith BarkerFlagship initiatives of Above & Beyond include:
- An order placed for nine new aircraft to renew and grow the RFDS fleet.
- The southern hemisphere’s first Pilatus PC-12 flight simulator to be installed at our Jandakot HQ, reducing costs by up to $2 million per year and improving training opportunities.
- RFDS WA will open its first ‘bricks & mortar’ health clinic in Kalgoorlie, in partnership with Curtin University and WACHS.
The Strategy will embrace the power of partnership, with the RFDS rolling up our sleeves alongside WACHS, government, St John WA and our many corporate partners and supporters across the state.
“We can’t do it alone – we will work in partnership at every level to ensure services are what individual communities need and want,” Ms Barker said.
Above & Beyond will see the RFDS WA remain true to our heritage, focusing on innovation, safety, curiosity and a strong sense of community to drive us toward our centenary.
