Queensland Section YEAR IN REVIEW 14/15 Our Mission 3 Our Vision, Our Values 4 Chairman’s Report 5 CEO’s Report 6 2014/15 Highlights 7 2014/15 Overview 10 Health Services 10 Clinical Governance Highlights 10 Integrated Operations 11 Finance 14 People and Corporate Services 14 Marketing and Fundraising 15 Bequests and Trusts In Perpetuity 16 Our Patients > Shannon Smithwick 18 Map > Locations we travelled to 19 The Furthest Corner. The Finest Care. 20 Map > Our primary health care locations 22 Our People 23 Our Patients > Tayla Law 24 Our Bases 25 Our Partners and Supporters 26

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of (RFDS) takes the finest care to the furthest corners of our land. Established in 1928 by the Reverend John Flynn, the RFDS has grown to become the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisation of its kind in the world, delivering 24-hour emergency aeromedical and primary health care services to all those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. Today, the RFDS conducts more than 290,000 patient consults across Australia every year – that’s one person every two minutes. In , the RFDS currently operates from nine bases at Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Charleville, Longreach, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Roma and Townsville. These bases form a strategic network of aeromedical services as well as delivering a broad range of health care programs including general practice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, child and family health, social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, women’s health, oral health and health promotion activities. The RFDS is a not-for-profit organisation. While supported by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, the Flying Doctor relies heavily on fundraising and donations from the community to purchase and aeromedically fit-out our aircraft, purchase vital medical equipment and enhance our operational facilities.

1 > QUEENSLAND SECTION YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 2 Our mission To provide excellence in aeromedical and primary health care across Queensland.

3 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Our vision The furthest corner. The finest care.

Our values The values that underpin the work that we do include: Care and Respect > For patients, employees, communities and cultures Reliable & Dependable > Giving our best and fulfilling our promises Safety & Quality > Continuous improvement through evidence based practices Socially & Ethically Responsible > In all that we do Collaboration > With teamwork, we can make an impact Innovation > Encouraged and celebrated

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 4 Chairman’s Report William Mellor Chairman, RFDS (Queensland Section) Board of Directors

The past twelve months has been a period of significant change within RFDS (Queensland Section), as our two important operational pillars – aviation and health services, each focus on the continually evolving air safety regulatory reforms and health service accreditation standards.

Earlier this year, the organisation embarked >> Also in October, we opened our new on an aviation program designed to prepare RFDS Charleville Base redevelopment Board Members > our aeromedical operations for the impending that now consolidates our hangar, Mr William Mellor changes to aviation regulations proposed by administration and Visitor Centre. Mr Mark Gray Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA). >> In November, two new B200 King Air While regulatory reform will be progressive, Mr Michael Burnett retrieval aircraft were placed into service Mr Richard Conder we are now well advanced in anticipation in Mount Isa and Cairns respectively. of these changes across our maintenance, Mr Peter Gartshore >> In March, we opened the doors of a flight standards and flight safety training areas, Mrs Julia Leeds new patient transfer facility at RFDS ahead of the expected mandated timeframe. Dr Desley Marshall Rockhampton Base, at the same time This, we view as not only an investment in our Mr Russell Postle commemorating the 20th anniversary future, but also of paramount importance Prof Robert Stable of our service presence in this central to the continued safety of those who fly with Mrs Sally-Anne Witherspoon Queensland coastal town. us and our enviable aviation safety record. >> Then in June, we also celebrated the Throughout the year, our Health Services 20th anniversary of our RFDS Brisbane team has also taken giant strides in the Base, which like Rockhampton, opened preparatory journey towards full health its doors on the same day – July 3, 1995. service accreditation, with the organisation >> While delivering our services within the on track to have its first accreditation envelope of our State and Commonwealth assessment in early to mid 2016. governments’ funding sources remains In seeking to now measure ourselves a challenge, it’s through the continued against the National Quality Health Service & generosity of our many donors, volunteers Safety Standards, our staff have embraced and corporate supporters, that the the opportunity to translate our unique organisation was able to achieve a total clinical settings into now well-defined and surplus of over $8.1 million. measured standards of patient care. While Over the past year, a total of $9.1 million in acknowledging there is still much to be done, community support was gratefully received. it was gratifying to hear that an independent That has enabled us, amongst other priorities, clinical review earlier this year acknowledged to confidently pursue our next advance in the considerable advances being made in aviation transportation – the ordering of two our clinical governance. new B350c King Air aircraft. Although these significant change programs These new aircraft will come equipped with have received much focus, our core business an increase payload capacity, the ability > Chairman Mr William (Bill) Mellor joined the in providing the finest care to the furthest to travel from Cairns to Brisbane non-stop RFDS Qld Board in 2005 and was appointed corner continued to prosper, with our as Chairman in November 2013. and with greater air speed potential. We Queensland operations attending to in anticipate that both of these new aircraft will excess of 95,000 patient consults across be operational by mid-2016 and a tremendous our aeromedical, tele-health and primary addition to our patient care services. health care programs. Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like In delivering these services, we heralded to thank our Principal Sponsors Ergon a number of service initiatives and Energy Retail, Corporation milestones and completed some long and QCoal Group. I would also like to awaited infrastructure projects including: acknowledge the efforts of our CEO, Nino >> The commencement, in October 2014, Di Marco, his management team and all of our lead agency role for the Cairns RFDS employees, for their continued based operations of national youth commitment and tireless work this year mental health foundation, headspace; towards positioning the organisation to further testimony to our commitment continue to deliver quality health care to advance our focus on mental health. to the people of Queensland, no matter where they live.

5 > QUEENSLAND SECTION CEO’s Report Nino Di Marco Chief Executive Officer, RFDS (Queensland Section)

The 2014/15 financial year proved to be another successful period of health service delivery for our Queensland operations, with sustainable demand for our 24/7 aeromedical services and primary health care programs and continued growth and emergence of some of our newer ventures in the areas of mental and oral health.

In the past year our RFDS (Queensland very pleasing that all agreed to extend Section) has: their associations with us in 2015.

>> performed over 11,550 aeromedical In addition to their sponsorship of the patient transfers with 1,033 being organisation, our innovative oral health primary emergency evacuations partnership with QCoal Group and its > Above: RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer, Nino Di Marco. >> conducted more than 4,935 health clinics philanthropic arm – the QCoal Foundation, in remote communities stretching right celebrated its 5,000th patient milestone across the State in 2015. The QCoal Community Dental >> administered over 4,052 immunisations Service has been in operation since Year Ahead early 2013, so we were thrilled that the >> provided dental treatments to 2,726 As the level of funding for health is Foundation has agreed to continue to patients across 13 rural and remote increasingly under pressure, both state fund the service at a cost of over $1 million communities and federal governments, as well as per annum through until June 2018. That private industry, are looking to partner >> provided close to 13,153 remote medical brings the total commitment from QCoal consults by phone or video-link with organisations that can demonstrate Group to $6 million. not only their capacity to meet a public >> flew a total of 8.03 million kms in 24,242 This year, as part of our ongoing aircraft need, but also do so in ways that are hours flying time to deliver close to replacement plans, two new B200 King Air efficient, safe and cost effective. 95,000 patient consultations aircraft were introduced into operational th With a view to continuing our influential role >> celebrated the 20 anniversaries of both service in Mount Isa and Cairns. our Rockhampton and Brisbane Bases in the State’s aeromedical retrieval network, >> opened a dedicated Patient Transfer In addition, with an eye to the future, we we have committed considerable energy Facility at our Rockhampton Base in April have collaborated closely with our long this year, and next, towards a number of time aviation partner, Hawker Pacific, to change projects across both our clinical >> officially opened our new Charleville Base introduce even greater payload capacity and aviation operations, each designed to and Visitor Centre in the presence of His and distance travel into our fleet. While the ensure that RFDS remains a patient focussed, Excellency, the Hon. Paul De Jersey AC, King Air B200’s have served us well, we will innovative and best practice inspired health Governor of Queensland in October 2014 be progressively moving towards the larger service organisation with the confidence of >> officially opened our ninth base at B350C model – as these new airframes have the community and public health authorities. Roma in August in the presence of the capacity to carry up to three stretchers We are confident our enviable service record, the Hon. Bruce Scott MP. and fly non-stop from Cairns to Brisbane, commitment to continuous improvement and greatly improving our patient response Delivering this breadth of services always the addition of higher performing aircraft will times. We aim to bring two of these new presents some challenges, so we are position us to extend our current pivotal role aircraft into service in mid-2016, after indebted to our loyal and passionate in aeromedical services across Queensland having them medically fitted out. individual donors, auxiliaries community well into the next decade. and corporate groups for their unwavering This year, I would particularly like to support of our Queensland operations, acknowledge our Rockhampton team who collectively raised over $9.1 million who have had a difficult time recently. Not in 2014/15. only were they presented with significant We are particularly grateful to Ergon Energy operational challenges with Cyclone Marcia, Retail, Brisbane Airport Corporation and they sadly farewelled their colleague, Captain the QCoal Group, our Principal Sponsors. Greg McNaughton who passed away in April. Each of these organisations have a long A small memorial stone was laid in his and loyal history with the RFDS, so it was memory at the opening of the new Patient Transfer Facility at the Rockhampton Base.

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 6 2014/15 Highlights Visited around 130 celebrated remote communities each year providing more than 95,000 consultations 20th anniversary of Rockhampton Base

RFDS aviation and clinical teams flew around 8 million kilometres, conducted 23,468 landings and over 24,000 hours flying time to do so

Opened the Rockhampton Base Patient Transfer Facility

Transported over 11,550 patients to and from acute hospitals and specialist services.

7 > QUEENSLAND SECTION celebrated the Improved the oral health of more than 20th anniversary of Brisbane Base 2,700 regional Queenslanders through the QCoal Administered Community Dental Service over 4,050 immunisations over 13,150 remote medical consults by phone or video-link

Held more than 4,900 Remote Health Clinics stretching from the far north to .

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 8 9 > QUEENSLAND SECTION 2014/15 Overview

Health Services

The RFDS continued to experience sustained Health which showed significant progress for this program to be a pre-cursor to the demand for its aeromedical and primary had been made and the organisation was tertiary studies, enabling participants to health care services, while exploring other well placed to be ready for its first survey receive a credit towards the Bond University avenues to contribute to the health and against these standards in 2016. Graduate Certificate in Retrieval Medicine wellbeing of those living and working course. Our expansion into the tertiary education throughout rural and remote Queensland. sector also continued with our collaboration The journey to progress towards electronic This year has seen a continued significant with Bond University, launching its first intake health records also continues in zest with a focus on the safety and quality of our health of Masters students this year. This follows year that has focused on starting to attain services with the organisation continuing the establishment of a Graduate Certificate and achieve better solutions. Improving its journey to achieve accreditation against and Graduate Diploma in Retrieval Medicine connectivity at all of our health clinics has the National Safety and Quality in Health in the previous two years and sees the been a major priority as well as making final Service Standards. This is a long journey of implementation of the full nested program. determinations on the best IT solution for reflection that can only further strengthen the This now makes it the only Australian fully our primary health care services. We look valuable services that are provided across nested post graduate program in Aeromedical forward to these two areas, in particular, regional, rural and remote Queensland. Our Retrieval. A full review of the STAR Program experiencing significant gains late in 2015. progress on this journey was tested earlier (Specialist Training in Aeromedical Retrieval) in 2015 in a clinical audit by Queensland was undertaken to provide the opportunity

Clinical Governance Highlights

PATIENT EXPERIENCE SURVEY: RESPONDENTS EMPLOYEE SURVEY: MAPSAF RESULTS

18% 20% Generative 87% > Got answers they understood to questions asked 15% Generative 15% 82% > Found that information provided was consistent between staff 10% 82% > Said that staff did not talk about them as though they weren’t there 5% Felt they were treated with dignity and respect 0.7% 98% > Generative 0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2010 2014 2015

We conducted two employee surveys CONSUMER FEEDBACK measuring our patient safety culture. An RFDS responded to 77 instances of consumer feedback. 68% of consumers were happy increasing number of employees rated the with our process for managing and resolving their concerns. Summary of our responses organisation as generative in our approach to customer enquiries depicted here: to patient safety. Meaning that our culture is moving forward to ensure patient safety 8.8% required explanation to the patient/family 2.4% new or revised policy or procedure is embedded into everything RFDS does. 1.2% change of duties 2.4% new or revised policy or procedure CLINICAL INCIDENTS

9% quality improvement activity Our continued patient safety focus has led to improved incident reporting. It is an 66% compliments – important task to report clinical incidents no further action required. of all levels as we continue to learn and improve our patient safety culture.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE TRAINING CREDENTIALING A number of patient safety training modules Right people, right job, giving the right care. were launched in 2014-15. Our staff are 100% of our Doctors, Nurses, Dentists and now well trained in Hand Hygiene, Patient Counsellors have the right qualification, Centred Care, Aseptic Non-touch Technique, education and experience to deliver the Blood Safety and Open Disclosure to ensure highest quality care to our patients. 98% Minor incidents 2% Serious events that our patients are receiving the safest possible care.

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 10 2014/15 Overview

Integrated Operations

The core responsibility of the Integrated Our Clinic also engages with a range of Medical Chests Operations Team is to ensure the optimal health, community and disability services The contents from the Medical Chests are delivery of health care services across to plan and facilitate optimal patient care prescribed remotely and onsite by RFDS the organisation. Key focus areas for the to patients whose health needs require Medical Officers. Patients can be treated for Integrated Operations Team included: integration with other services. Over this a range of conditions including antibiotics >> Cost savings and efficiencies period, the RFDS Charleville Health Clinic for infections or pain relief to prepare for conducted 7,293 patient consultations. >> Maximising internal capability an emergency evacuation. Many people living in rural and remote locations find >> Developing new and innovative it comforting to have a Medical Chest service delivery methodology QCoal Community close at hand. In Queensland, the RFDS is >> Service sustainability Dental Service responsible for nearly 1,300 Medical Chests >> Cross discipline collaboration The RFDS’ partnership with the QCoal Group located throughout the state. The proposed >> Coalface empowerment and the QCoal Foundation continued to grow changes to the medical chest have now this year. The QCoal Community Dental been implemented with much positive >> Performance planning and Service has continued to improve access feedback from chest holders. benchmarking and to quality dental services for those in rural Our partnership with St John Ambulance >> Continuous quality improvement and remote areas. to supply medicines and other items for We achieved this by exemplifying the core Over this period, the QCoal Community the medical chest also continues to develop values and behaviours of the organisation. Dental Service recorded the following: with more opportunities to improve the program coming in 2016. >> Total number of individual patients Operational Effectiveness seen since inception: The last 12 months we have concentrated 5,218 Business Development on operational effectiveness with the >> Number of Indigenous patients: Drought Wellbeing Service (DWS) implementation of: 24% of patients identified as Indigenous The DWS commenced in early 2015 through >> Back office improvements with >> Communities visited: a partnership with Queensland Health Mental automated travel bookings Blackall, Bowen, Camooweal, Clermont, Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch. Collinsville, Dajarra, Dingo, Jundah, >> Monthly reporting of aircraft Through the DWS, the RFDS employs five Monto, Richmond, Rolleston, Sapphire, availability across the network clinical counsellors and three support workers Springsure, Theodore and Winton to manage performance across the state to provide targeted mental >> Review of clinic and clinic schedules >> Total value of services provided: health services to those affected by the to optimise scheduled clinic delivery approx. $2 million drought. >> Review of roster process to begin Santos standarised rostering across all Women’s General The RFDS has been contracted by Santos bases in 2016 Practice Services to provide onsite Registered Nurse support The RFDS recognises the needs of women for their Roma GLNG Project. Key activity Aircraft Replacement Program living in rural and remote communities in is the management of the onsite primary A total of eight aircraft will require replacement Queensland and continually strives to develop health care clinic. The term of the contract over the next five years due to age and/or ongoing strategies to improve access to is three years. the number of flight hours being close to the services and information. One of these Australian Defence Force total 20,000 hours (cycles) per aircraft. strategies is the delivery of women’s GP The RFDS provided aeromedical evacuation services in rural Queensland. Two aircraft were purchased in April 2014 for support for the Australian Defence Force replacement at Cairns and Mount Isa bases, This program undertook a significant change through the provision of medical staffing and are now operational. this year with it being integrated into and (Critical Care Specialist and Intensive Care funded through the Government’s Rural Paramedic). Support was provided for nine We have taken delivery of a further two Health Outreach Fund for another 12 months. training activities (total of 125 days) in B350C King Air aircraft currently undergoing The RFDS is proud to deliver this service, partnership with Australian Helicopters. aeromedical fit out in Cairns by Hawker which promotes, maintains and improves Pacific. Both these aircraft will be the health and wellbeing of women living operational in 2016. in rural and remote parts of Queensland by providing female general practitioner services. RFDS Charleville Health Clinic More than 50 locations across rural and The RFDS Charleville Health Clinic is our remote Queensland are visited as part of first General Practice Clinic. With health the program. Many clinics are conducted professionals employed by the RFDS, the in areas where the RFDS does not provide Clinic operates as a private, independent any other general practice service e.g. practice with patients claiming rebates Torres Strait Islands. through Medicare.

11 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Integrated Operations continued

headspace Cairns headspace Youth Health and Mental A volunteer youth reference group and a the school terms include social groups like Health Centres can be found throughout consortium of invested stakeholders consult music, yoga and drama, as well as clinical Australia and in October 2014 the RFDS and guide the headspace operations. groups for males and females in the 12-15 assumed the Lead Agency status of the age groups. The health promotion officer headspace Cairns manages an increasingly headspace Cairns Centre. Along with the held 25 mental health literacy sessions in high demand for services for youth aged operational and administration team, the high schools and promoted headspace at between 12 and 25 years of age. In the Cairns centre has a GP three days a week, 11 community events. headspace Cairns 2014/15 year, the centre delivered 3,999 a clinical team with psychologists, social is currently seeking fundraising and grant mental health assessments and counselling workers, and a mental health nurse as well opportunities to be able to expand the sessions, 1,314 GP sessions and 36 Tele- as a health promotion, education worker. services currently being offered. psychiatry sessions. Groups throughout

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 12 2014/15 Overview

Integrated Operations continued

Brisbane Total Longreach Total Patient Consultations 2,058 Patient Consultations 1,585 No. of Clinics Conducted 170 No. of Clinics Conducted 512 No. of Patient Transports 2,345 No. of Patient Transports - No. of Aircraft 2 No. of Aircraft - No. of Landings 4,263 No. of Landings - Hours Flown 4,137 Hours Flown - Kilometres Flown 1,367,493 Kilometres Flown -

Bundaberg Total Mount Isa Total Patient Consultations - Patient Consultations 5,171 No. of Clinics Conducted - No. of Clinics Conducted 487 No. of Patient Transports 1,998 No. of Patient Transports 926 No. of Aircraft 1 No. of Aircraft 4 No. of Landings 3,156 No. of Landings 2,399 Hours Flown 2,670 Hours Flown 2,267 Kilometres Flown 827,025 Kilometres Flown 749,980

Cairns Total Rockhampton Total Patient Consultations 25,338 Patient Consultations - No. of Clinics Conducted 3,166 No. of Clinics Conducted - No. of Patient Transports 1,105 No. of Patient Transports 2,460 No. of Aircraft 6 No. of Aircraft 3 No. of Landings 4,317 No. of Landings 3,655 Hours Flown 4,626 Hours Flown 3,985 Kilometres Flown 1,432,298 Kilometres Flown 1,376,208

Charleville Total Roma Total Patient Consultations 4,670 Patient Consultations - No. of Clinics Conducted 554 No. of Clinics Conducted - No. of Patient Transports 456 No. of Patient Transports - No. of Aircraft 2 No. of Aircraft 1 No. of Landings 1,461 No. of Landings 684 Hours Flown 1,706 Hours Flown 538 Kilometres Flown 560,078 Kilometres Flown 166,537

Townsville Total Patient Consultations 602 No. of Clinics Conducted 46 No. of Patient Transports 2,264 No. of Aircraft 2 No. of Landings 3,533 Hours Flown 4,313 Kilometres Flown 1,553,567

13 > QUEENSLAND SECTION YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 13 Finance

New Aircraft New Construction Projects RFDS (Queensland Section) received $1 million The construction of the combined aircraft RFDS employees working at the Charleville in capital grants this financial year contributing hanger, office and patient transfer facility at Base. The combined cost of these projects to the fit out of two new King Air B200’s that Roma was completed during the 2014/15 totalled $5.03 million which also includes an became operational during the period. financial year at a total cost of $1.28 million. interactive Visitor Centre located at the base. The RFDS (Queensland Section) received Capital funding received for these projects During the year, RFDS (Queensland Section) $0.4 million in capital grant towards this was $1.44 million during the 2014/15 financial placed orders for three B350C’s King Air construction during the 2014/15 financial year. aircraft which will become operational during year. the 2015/16 financial year. The total cost for The RFDS (Queensland Section) Board these new aircraft will total approximately Construction was also completed of the opened the new Patient Transfer Facility $33 million. consolidated base administration and located in Rockhampton in early 2015 after operations centre in Charleville, as well construction commenced in late 2014. The as unit accommodation for fly in/fly out total cost of this project totalled $0.5 million.

People and Corporate Services This year the People and Corporate Services team supported the organisation with a number of projects including the transition of headspace (a mental health service for young people) in Cairns. Information systems within the department were reviewed and research conducted into those required for the needs of the future.

Key activities included: > Negotiation and approval by the Fair Work > Implementation of the Employee • Document Management Centre syncing Commission of the Health Professional Engagement Project which involved a to Flight Nurse iPads for offline access and Nursing Enterprise Agreements. number of interviews with employees to critical documentation; across the organisation to assess levels > Development and introduction of a two • Clinical Governance portal implemented of engagement in areas such as their day face to face orientation and induction to push vital clinical information out role, management, their team and the program to compliment the existing to staff; organisation. workplace and occupational orientation. • Travel Site portal implemented to > Workplace Gender Equality Act report > Decentralisation from Federation Office of manage all travel requests, issues lodgement and compliance. our payroll system, CHRIS 21, to enable and reporting; and a more efficient system better customised > The 2015 Learning and Development • Multiple electronic tools to assist staff to the needs of Queensland Section. program provided a suite of updated such as recommendation monitoring, programs, with a focus on management > The research and purchase of a new risk management, credentialing, case skills training. Our Cultural Capability reviews, etc. Learning Management System (LMS) program was rewritten to ensure it which will enable ‘online’ content to be was current and included the practical > The Health, Safety and Environment area developed in-house and will provide for information required by our employees. participated in the ‘Injury Prevention a centralised portal for the organisation and Management Program’ (IPaM). > Extensive SharePoint Site development of its training programs and retention This is a joint initiative sponsored by enhancing records and information of all training records. WHS Queensland (Department of management, including the automation Justice and Attorney General) and > Further development and enhancement of business processes and meeting WorkCover Queensland. IPAM’s goal of two programs that are now running for critical business demands. Enhancements is to assist employers with their injury their second year, the ‘Above and Beyond’ include, but are not limited to: reward and recognition program and the management program and to improve • New SharePoint look and feel with You@YourBest@RFDS Wellness program. health department and safety outcomes Site Map and Helpdesk built in to for workers. The assessment phase has the Intranet Homepage; now been completed and a Business • Electronic Incident Reporting for Improvement Plan has been developed Corporate and Clinical Incidents; to further enhance WHS within the RFDS.

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 14 2014/15 Overview

Marketing and Fundraising The 2014/15 financial year has proven to be another successful one for the RFDS (Queensland Section), with more than $9.1 million received in community support across the State, from an ever generous group of individual donors, bequestors, corporate supporters, community fundraisers and auxiliary support groups.

The ongoing support of these individuals communities. At an operating cost of around Our thanks also go to our Volunteer Auxiliary and organisations has been particularly $1.1 million per annum the QCoal Community Groups who collectively raised close to valuable during a period of considerable Dental Service continues to provide dental $300,000, contributing to the purchase of contractual, regulatory and health reform services free of charge to these appreciative further medical equipment across our nine that the organisation has had to address. remote communities. This year the service Bases. Often considered the “faces of the passed the impressive 5,000 patient milestone, RFDS” in their respective communities, we Our goal remains to ensure that each since its inception in early 2013. remain indebted to these auxillaries for the donation we receive helps improve the way they so clearly demonstrate their support quality and breadth of our health care We were also supported throughout the year of their local RFDS Base. services by providing an opportunity to by a growing number of community groups continually re-invest in our important and events who focussed their time and As highlighted by the Chairman and CEO, aviation assets, life-saving medical energy into raising funds for the Flying Doctor. this past year has seen a number of important equipment and infrastructure needs. Amongst these were the: infrastructure projects concluded and service milestones reached. So our sincere thanks must go to our >> M&K Bike Ride from Brisbane to Longreach, Principal Sponsors who have not only held every second year, raising $121,000. In October, in the presence of our Patron, His maintained their financial support to the >> The iconic Birdsville Races Carnival where Excellency, The Honourable Paul de Jersey, RFDS this year, but also re-committed to RFDS, as the event’s official charity partner AC, Governor of Queensland, we celebrated us with multi-year partnership agreements. received around $40,000 in funds through the opening of our new Charleville Base and Hangar, which brought together our In January 2015, Ergon Energy Retail a combination of donations, auctions and administration, medical and aviation teams re-committed to its now 15 year association competitions amongst racegoers. under the one roof. This development was with the RFDS, for a further two year term. >> The Australian Wagyu Association held further enhanced by the opening of a new Soon, through the ongoing success of its a charity auction as part of their annual interactive Visitor Centre. This self-guided voluntary donation scheme, Ergon will dinner, held this year in May during Beef museum contains a rich history of RFDS surpass $10 million in accumulated funds Week, raising the impressive total of artefacts, many synonymous with our 70 donated to our Queensland operations. $66,000. plus year presence in Charleville, as well As a sign of the close affinity between >> The popular Reedybrook Ashes cricket as providing an insight into the modern our respective organisations, we worked tournament, held near Greenvale in the day RFDS. with Ergon, in a popular, “name the plane” state’s north, where 12 teams competed In April this year, we celebrated the opening competition, where one of its loyal customers for the coveted Iron trophy and in the of the new Rockhampton Patient Transfer successfully named one of our newest B200 process raised $22,400. Facility, and the 20th anniversary of our King Airs – Cooee, at operational launches >> The annual Condon Treasure Ball held Rockhampton Base, with several local in Townsville and Mount Isa, where it is now in Roma in May raised a further $40,000. government and community stakeholders. stationed as our primary retrieval aircraft Our medical equipment, health programs and in the state’s North West. infrastructure needs were also generously In June, we celebrated another significant milestone, the 20th anniversary of our aviation We were also pleased to see Brisbane supported through the past twelve months base at Brisbane Airport. Airport Corporation renew their support by many philanthropic trusts and foundations. of the RFDS for a further two years, which The purchase of numerous items of medical The inaugural RFDS “Wings for Life” extends their generous rebating of our equipment, including: pressure relieving Gala Ball, which was successfully held at commercial landing fees to a period of over devices; blood warmers; neo-natal cribs and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition five years. In 2014/15 there were 3,366 several patient monitoring devices was made Centre, attended by 670 guests and raising RFDS aircraft landings at Brisbane Airport possible by the support shown by these in excess of $110,000. We thank all our underlining the strategic importance of us philanthropic funds: sponsors, in particular our Diamond Event being able to have an aviation presence >> Aurizon Community Giving Fund Partners, Hawker Pacific and Textron close to many of our leading tertiary hospitals. >> BHP Cannington Community Aviation, who together with our prize donors, in-kind supporters and guests made this We were also thrilled with news that Development a night to remember. Queensland coal mining company, QCoal >> Gambling Community Benefit Fund Group, through its QCoal Foundation, >> John Villiers Trust agreed to a further three year extension of >> Mount Isa Mines Community Assistance our successful oral health partnership that enables the RFDS to provide vital dental >> Perpetual Trustees services to many isolated rural and remote >> Julian Burton Burns Trust

15 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Bequests and Trusts In Perpetuity The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) recognises with sincere gratitude the income received during 2014/15 from the following generous bequests and trusts in perpetuity.

Estates that distributed Perpetual trusts that distributed in 2014/15 in 2014/15 Paul Victor Anderson Colin Price Liebke The Adastra Legacy Kitty Ardley John & Dell Mayne William Angliss (Qld) Charitable Fund Sylvia Jean Balfour Una Lucy McEwen Freda May Berndt Trust Anthony (Tony) Bennett Harold George Medhurst Robert Owen Bishop Trust Fund Kathleen May Boston Derek Harry Meyers CH Boden Memorial Trust John James Brennan Patrick Bernard O'Brien Estelle Dale Trust Kathleen Joyce Brittain SJ O'Sullivan Robert Fabris Trust Keith William Canniford Ann Pearse Ruth Fagg Foundation Reginald Cantrell Lilian Betty Perrett Marjorie Geeves Trust Richard George Cooper Bronwyn Emily Perrett John Davis Goss Perpetual Daphne Aileen Crawford Heather Colina Philp Charitable Trust Irene May Dallow Vera Myrtle Pope Edgar BC Harding Trust Katherine Ellen Davidson Royston Sidney Proll Harris Estate Trust Daphne Margaret Dowdle William John Seymour Robert & Alison Hayles Charitable Fund Elsie Jean Ellis Helen Athene Shore Hart Family Perpetual Trust Dorothy Jean England Harold William Skinner Jack Jacobs Charitable Trust Maxwell Godfrey Farish Joan Smith Jameson Family Perpetual Fund Tonia Carol Geary Noela Patricia Steenson William Alan & Dorothy Jane Langford Memorial Fund Moreen Joy Gees Monica Mary Stuart Charles & Lorna Lewin Memorial Fund Ellsdon Sidney Grace Barbara Joan Thompson Eva Dorothy Michelmore Perpetual James Geordan Harrison Anne Tolcher Charitable Trust Dorothy Jean Herbert Jean Warren Queensland Community Foundation Nellie Hunter John Alan Wegner The Russell Foundation Enid Jeffrey June Mary Wellard Valerie Stoddart Memorial Endowment Alfred 'Bomber' Johnson Margaret Hazel West Fay Howard Ussher Charitable Trust Maurice Kayman Sylvia Gerda Zupp Jeanie Moffat Waddell Foundation Christine Helen Kerven Doris Louise Waraker Charitable Trust Pamela Mary Lewsen B & AMB Ward Charitable Trust

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 16 17 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Shannon Smithwick – Blackwater, Qld

When Shannon Smithwick’s waters broke suddenly on Australia Day in 2014, she needed the help of the Royal Flying Doctor Service to transport her from her home in Blackwater to Brisbane. At only 31 weeks pregnant with twin girls, Shannon required expert care to ensure she could safely give birth to daughters, Charlotte and Penny. It was a sweltering summer’s day in Blackwater, located 190 kilometres inland from Rockhampton. Shannon, trying to stay cool, decided to lie down on her bed to rest. Her twins, however, had other plans and Shannon’s waters broke unexpectedly. Shannon was taken to the local Blackwater Hospital, where staff began monitoring her closely. > Shannon and Dean with Penny At only 31 weeks pregnant, the hospital was not equipped to meet the needs of premature twins, undergoing specialist care so, with Shannon’s labour advancing, it was clear they needed to get to the specialist care of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) urgently. A Royal Flying Doctor Service crew from Bundaberg was dispatched. On board, Nurse Manager Jackie Hardy, an experienced midwife and nurse for almost 30 years, worked to relax Shannon’s contractions and ensure that Shannon and her daughters remained safe. Shannon has nothing but praise for the crew that flew to her to Brisbane to the RBWH. Once in Brisbane, Shannon’s contractions quickened. At 9.58am and 9.59am, Charlotte and Penny were born via C-section. Shannon and her daughters spent the next three weeks in Brisbane, where Charlotte and Penny were cared for by the Neonatal Intensive Care team at the RBWH. Once the girls were well enough, the Flying Doctor transported them to Rockhampton Mater Hospital, so they could be closer to family and friends. > Dean having a cuddle with Charlotte, Now home in Blackwater, Charlotte and Penny celebrated their first birthday earlier this year, while Penny is rushed off for treatment and according to mother Shannon they are reaching all their milestones, and are walking or dancing everywhere. “We have two beautiful, happy, healthy children going from strength to strength. They give us, and our extended family, so much joy every day. We cannot thank the Royal Flying Doctor Service enough for how much they have helped us. The kindness, generosity and care they show for their jobs, their patients, and their patients’ families is outstanding,” said Shannon.

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 18 Darnley (Erub) Island Yam Island Yorke Island Locations we travelled Murray (Mer) Island Coconut (Poruma) Island Badu Island Warraber (Sue) Island to within Queensland > Kubin Village, Moa Island St Paul’s Village, Moa Island Horn Island Thursday Island Umagico Darwin Bamaga Seisia Injinoo New Mapoon Calvert Hills Mallapunyah Springs Benmara Mittebah Herbertvale Cattleyard Bramwell Station Tennant Creek Barkly Wayside Inn Wattle Hills Station Manners Creek Station Weipa Wattle Hills Lockhart River Alice Springs Napranum Picaninny Cordillo Downs Plains Mungindi Aurukun Moree Archer Lismore Ballina River Merapah Grafton Station Coen Coen Township Parkes Violet Vale Sydney Lizard Island Musgrave Pormpuraaw Cape Flattery Lakefi eld Essendon Cooktown Bloomfi eld River Kowanyama Laura Rutland Plains Pinnacle King Junction Dunbar Aviation statistics for 2014/15 Mornington Island Mossman Gorge Vanrook Wrotham Park Cairns Number of landings 23,468 Station Delta Downs Yarrabah Chillagoe Mareeba Hours fl own 24,242 Hells Gate Atherton Karumba Abingdon Downs Innisfail Kilometres fl own 8,033,187 Burketown Normanton Mt Garnett Kingfi sher Doomadgee Strathmore Camp Tully Wernadinga Mount Surprise Croydon Undara Planet Downs Augustus Georgetown Dry River Downs Lawn Hill Forsayth Einasleigh Ingham Gregory Downs Wondoola Adels Century Mine Carpentaria Downs Grove Donors Hill Palm Island Mellish Park Burke & Wills (rh) Lorraine Gilberton Station Gallipoli Oak Park Kamileroi Werrington Station Townsville Morstone Downs Canobie Millungera Wandovale Station Ayr Wandovale Kajabbi Camooweal Dalgonally Charters Towers Bowen Ravenswood Mount Isa Hamilton Island Barkly Richmond Prairie Pentland Proserpine Downs Cloncurry Julia Creek Collinsville Elrose Hughenden Alexandria Station Alpurrurulam Oban Mackay Percol Plains Headingly Ardmore Answer Downs Barenya Shirley Urandangie Dajarra Mount Dore Tobermorey The Monument Noranside Cannington Mine Osborne Mine QLD Moranbah Winton Roxborough Downs The Lake Dysart Muttaburra Albro Clermont Middlemount Boulia Cambeela Rockhampton

Marion Downs Sapphire Longreach Barcaldine Emerald Blackwater Coorabulka Alpha Gladstone Woorarabinda Davenport Downs Springsure Isisford Mantuan Baralaba Agnes Waters Stonehenge Bedourie Blackall Downs Biloela Swan Hill Station Albeni Moura Thangool Bundaberg Consuelo Monkira Jundah Tambo Yaraka Mt Moff att Monto Ingelara Theodore

Bulloo Lakes Eidsvold Biggenden Hervey Bay Windorah Bayswater Birdsville East Maryborough Tenham Mundubbera Gayndah Betoota Augathella Tooloombilla Injune Taroom Birdsville Tanbar Homestead

Morven Wondai Gympie Charleville Mitchell Sunshine Arrabury Quilpie Roma Kingaroy Mt Howitt Coast Eromanga Riversleigh Miles Chinchilla

Surat Tara Dalby Wyandra Boatman Brisbane Ballera Oakey Southampton Toowoomba Greenvale Homestead Brisbane West Nardoo Noccundra Yowah Rollo Station Millmerran Wellcamp Nockatunga St George Bollon Warwick Thargomindah Eulo Cunnamulla Coolangatta Goondiwindi Inglewood Yakara Dirranbandi Stanthorpe Tinnenburra Texas

19 > QUEENSLAND SECTION The Furthest Corner. The Finest Care.

Telehealth Consultations which are not available at the transferring >> Health promotion/community RFDS Medical Officers provide a 24 hour facility. Transfer is therefore necessary to capacity building medical consultation service (using enable the patient to access the definitive >> Allied health care. telephones and other means) to people >> Oral health living, working or travelling in remote and These transfers are coordinated through >> Dietetics. rural Queensland. RFDS Medical Officers the Queensland Coordination Centre (QCC), also give advice to rural doctors, remote a Queensland Government organisation. area nurses, allied health staff, Aboriginal General Practice and Torres Strait Islander health workers, Inter-hospital transfers 10,408 RFDS Medical Officers provide a patients and carers. comprehensive general practice service Many health facilities in rural and remote and are able to offer or facilitate all aspects Queensland have video conferencing Primary Response of primary medical care. Medical Officers which continues to be integrated, along A primary response involves the RFDS are experienced in providing health services with other telehealth technologies, into responding to a call from the scene. Usually in a rural and remote setting and many rural and remote health service delivery. this call comes direct to the RFDS on its have special interests and skills. One focus in 2015/16 will be how to further medical emergency lines. When calls go to General practice clinics are held on a regular improve access to a range of services the ambulance for these areas, the calls are basis in remote locations; the frequency of through new telehealth opportunities referred to the RFDS. Primary responses visits depends on local needs. Outside the occur when immediate first line treatment regular clinic service, primary medical care/ Telehealth calls 13,153 may not be available at the location of the general practice is also provided as part of patient. The RFDS provides telehealth support telephone consultations and RFDS Medical and management advice while flying to Chests are used to administer medication. the scene, and then provides appropriate Aeromedical and Medical Officers work closely with other treatment upon arrival at the location, before Emergency Services health professionals, both within and retrieving the patient to the appropriate All RFDS bases in Queensland, except outside the RFDS, in order to provide the hospital. Isolated properties, remote health Longreach and Roma, provide an aeromedical best quality care. clinics or the scene of an accident are and emergency service. This service includes examples of possible retrieval locations. General practice the provision of primary responses and the 18,410 consultations transport of patients between hospitals Primary response evacuations 1,033 (inter-hospital transfers). This financial year, the RFDS conducted in excess of 11,550 patient transports including 1,030 primary Child and Family Health Primary Health Care Services response transports and 10,408 inter- RFDS Nurses provide valuable support hospital transfers to definitive hospital Primary health care has a broad focus and to families living in rural and remote and/or specialist care. Aircraft are available provides a comprehensive range of health Queensland. Through regular community to respond to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days services delivered by multidisciplinary teams. visits nurses provide a comprehensive a week at all bases except Longreach. The teams include General Practitioners, child health service incorporating: Aircraft are staffed with a Pilot and Flight Nurses, Allied Health Professionals and >> Routine physical assessments of children Nurse and a Medical Officer if required. other health personnel including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers >> Childhood vaccinations Beechcraft Super King Air B200s and Pilatus and Health Promotion and Community >> Health education and advice to parents PC-12 aircraft are used for retrieval work Development Officers. and carers within Queensland. All aircraft are pressurised >> Referral to other health professionals and configured to resemble mini intensive The RFDS provides primary health care care units. Aircraft are fitted with either the services at a range of locations such as rural >> Counselling and acting as a confidante Lifeport or TAS systems, which incorporate towns, remote stations, mines and oil fields, to parents and carers oxygen, suction and power outlets and national parks throughout regional and >> School health screening programs are fitted in each retrieval aircraft, to act remote Queensland. >> Liaison and collaboration with other as a stretcher loading system that is fully RFDS aircraft, charter aircraft and road child health initiatives compatible with road ambulance systems. vehicles facilitate the transportation of RFDS >> Facilitating projects which enhance In 2016 we will see the exciting introduction employees to deliver primary health care child health services of the new B350C King Air aircraft that can services to 130 Queensland communities. Vaccination rates of children living in fly further and faster. This is a welcome areas where RFDS child health services addition to the fleet and will improve RFDS primary health care services include: are provided continue to be some of the response time considerably. >> General practice highest in the nation. >> Child and family health Child and family >> Women’s health 11,978 Inter-hospital transfers health consultations: Inter-hospital transfers involve the transport >> Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health of patients between hospital facilities. This including chronic disease management frequently occurs when further treatment or >> Mental health/social and investigations are required for the patient, emotional wellbeing

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 20 The Furthest Corner. The Finest Care.

Counselling and Health Promotion broadens the role of all health employees but Wellbeing programs Health promotion is an essential aspect also provides a more comprehensive health service to rural communities. These programs provide social and emotional of the RFDS’s work, which underpins all counselling services and community capacity of its primary health care services. Health building to rural and remote communities promotion covers two broad areas: health Aboriginal and Torres Strait promotion/illness prevention and community served. Many of the services are provided to Islander Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families capacity building. and communities, as well as supporting rural In the primary health care context, Aboriginal The RFDS Health Promotion program seeks and Torres Strait Islander people make up communities. Activities under the program to increase the integration of health promotion form part of the RFDS primary health care approximately 40 per cent of RFDS patients, and illness prevention activities into the RFDS’s hence, the RFDS has an important role to service, with multiple professional disciplines primary health care services. bringing complementary skills to the range play in improving the health of Aboriginal and of activities. A major ongoing commitment of the RFDS Torres Strait Islander people. The RFDS has has been the holding of health promotion field a long-term and sustained commitment to The RFDS also helps build capacity in days at smaller locations, such as isolated providing services into Aboriginal and Torres indigenous communities by employing and stations/properties, mining communities Strait Islander communities in response to training local people in providing services. and tourist resorts. The field days involve the issues facing each community. Services The RFDS Mental Health Service aims to community consultation, health education, provided include mental health, social be a leader in the field of Community-based skill development sessions and strengthening emotional and wellbeing, primary health care, Social and Emotional Wellbeing service the relationship between the community and GP services, oral health, health promotion delivery, and to this end is exploring the RFDS. The field days have a focus on and child health. partnerships with local service providers building skills to help people better manage and tertiary institutions to undertake research health issues encountered in the remote projects to generate the evidence-base context. The incorporation of health promotion for the RFDS and the wider community. activities into RFDS service delivery not only

21 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Darnley (Erub) Island Yam Island Yorke Island Murray (Mer) Island Our primary health Coconut (Poruma) Island Badu Island Warraber (Sue) Island care locations > Kubin Village, Moa Island St Paul’s Village, Moa Island Horn Island Thursday Island Umagico General practice services Bamaga Seisia Injinoo New Mapoon Rural women’s general practice services Child and family health services Social and emotional Bramwell Station wellbeing services

Wattle Hills Station Wellbeing Centres Wattle Hills Lockhart River Community capacity building Napranum and training services Archer Aurukun River Health promotion fi eld days

Coen Dedicated to taking the fi nest Musgrave care to the furthest corners, Road House Pormpuraaw Hope Vale the RFDS travelled to over 130 Cooktown Kowanyama Laura Rutland Plains Pinnacles rural and remote locations Dunbar across Queensland to provide Mornington Island Mossman Gorge Wrotham Park primary health care services Cairns Delta Downs Yarrabah Chillagoe to those in need.

Karumba Burketown Normanton Doomadgee Mount Surprise Croydon Georgetown Forsayth Gregory Downs Einasleigh Donors Hill Adels Grove Greenvale Gilberton Station Oak Park Station Townsville Wandovale Station Camooweal Gregory Springs Bowen Mount Isa Ravenswood Pentland Collinsville Julia Creek Richmond Hughenden

Dajarra Urandangie QLDBarenya Moranbah Winton Muttaburra Clermont Boulia Aramac Rockhampton Jericho Sapphire Longreach Barcaldine Illfracombe Alpha

Springsure Isisford Agnes Waters Stonehenge Biloela Bedourie Blackall Rolleston Swan Hill Station Moura Jundah Tambo Bundaberg Yaraka

Windorah Mundubbera Augathella Birdsville

Charleville Mitchell Quilpie Roma Eromanga Miles

Tara Brisbane

Thargomindah Yowah Cunnamulla Eulo Yakara

Texas

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 22 Our People

Justine Powell – Nurse Manager, Brisbane I commenced work with RFDS in July 2001 at the Rockhampton Base and have never looked back. The beauty of being a flight nurse is that you can utilise all your specialist skills in one day. I can transfer a critically ill patient from a remote area to specialist care in the morning and return a premature infant home to its family in the afternoon. The most satisfying part of my job is the sense of community. We serve a specific area from each Base so you build a rapport with the people in that community as you may visit the area a few times a week. Your community extends to the hospital staff, the ambulance drivers, the SES people and the wonderful men and women who come out to turn the airstrip lights on in the middle of the night (often in their pyjamas and slippers!). When disaster strikes we have always been part of the response from the Bali bombings to historic flood and cyclones. Mostly recently we ensured the burns patients from the Ravenshoe Café explosion were brought to Brisbane for life saving treatment. I am proud to be part of highly skilled and dedicated Brisbane Base team. Whether it is that early 5am call for the premature baby in Roma, the 2pm call to go to Injune for the cardiac patient or the 10pm call to respond to a rollover at Goondiwindi – Queensland’s rural and remote communities are always relieved to know we are on our way and that expert clinical care will be available to them soon.

Kent Burchard – Corporate Information and Privacy Co-ordinator I have eight years experience in information and privacy management in both government and private sectors and have been with the RFDS since the beginning of 2013. As the Corporate Information and Privacy Coordinator, I am responsible for developing and maintaining a records and information management program to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards. I believe records and information are key business assets, critical to the operations of the RFDS. During my time at the RFDS, I have been integral in reviewing and developing systems utilised by the RFDS to manage vital documentation such as contracts, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols, as well as all other corporate records generated in everyday business. I also provide advice on records management and privacy principles and legislation. My role is all behind the scenes so I was delighted to receive the CEO Excellence Award recognising the significance my work has in supporting the front line people and operations of the RFDS.

Andrew Pratt – Line Pilot, Bundaberg I count myself as fortunate to have worked as a pilot for the RFDS for four and a half years including two years for the South East Section based in Launceston. The RFDS seems to attract a certain type of professional; typically people who are goal oriented, I really enjoy working within a team of people who have a “yes we can” attitude to get the job done, safely, efficiently and to a high standard of patient care. My work is primarily as a line pilot at Bundaberg base, I also act as base safety officer and carry out some internal aviation auditing. Previously I worked in the NT including a seven year stint in a remote Aboriginal community running my own aviation business. I look forward to a long and rewarding career with the RFDS.

Kate McGowan – Base Manager, Charleville The role of Base Manager at Charleville Base is a very busy and gratifying role. I have the pleasure of working along side a team of three part-time staff who assist in covering all aspects of administration; from making appointments for patients, entering data and keeping on top of assets and placing orders for medical chests, there is always plenty to do. Of course the highlight for all involved with Charleville Base was moving into our new facility in John Flynn Way at the . At the end of September we will be celebrating our first year in this wonderful facility. The Charleville Base will have been operating for 72 years on the 2 October. I’ve had the pleasure of leading the Support Services team for the past nine years and look forward to continuing for a few more years to come.

23 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Whether it is that early 5am call for the premature baby in Roma, the 2pm call to go to Injune for the cardiac patient or the 10pm call to respond to a rollover at Goondiwindi – Queensland’s rural and remote communities are always relieved to know we are on our way.

Justine Powell

Tayla Law – Wandoan, Qld

Last October, when Tayla was just 15, her appendix ruptured and leaked septic fluid into her stomach. The pain was so great that she screamed and fainted every time she tried to move. Tayla’s home was four hours drive from the nearest Intensive Care Unit, and she was in such agony there was a chance she might not have survived the journey > Above: Tayla Law by ambulance. Thankfully, the Flying Doctor was on hand to fly her quickly and safely to hospital. She arrived just in time for surgeons to operate and save her life.

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 24 Our Bases

In Queensland, the RFDS operates from nine bases including Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Charleville, Longreach , Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Roma and Townsville. Forming a strategic network across the state, these bases help deliver the finest health care to all those who live, work and travel in Queensland’s regional, rural and remote areas.

The RFDS Head Office is located Charleville Base Rockhampton Base at Bowen Hills, Brisbane. Commenced operations: 1943. Commenced operations: 1995. Services provided: aeromedical and Brisbane Base Services provided: telephone consultations, medical chests, aeromedical and emergency emergency services. Commenced operations: 1995. services, and primary health care clinics Personnel employed: Flight Nurses, Services provided: aeromedical and incorporating general practice, child and Pilots and Support Services employees. emergency services. family health and health promotion. Number of aircraft: 2 Beechcraft King Air Personnel employed: Flight Nurses, Personnel employed: Medical Officers, B200s and 1 Beechcraft King Air B200C. Pilots, Management and Support Service Registered Nurses (Flight and Primary employees. Health Care), Pilots and Support Services Number of aircraft: 1 Beechcraft King Air employees. Roma Base B200 and 1 Beechcraft King Air B200C. New Drought Wellbeing Team: Commenced operations: 2014. Senior Clinical Counsellor Services provided: Primary Health Care Clinical Support Worker Clinics and emergency services for QLD Bundaberg Base Number of aircraft: 1 Pilatus PC-12. Health Flying Specialist Services Commenced operations: 2002. Personnel employed: 3 Pilots. aeromedical and Services provided: Longreach Base Number of aircraft: 1 Beechcraft King Air emergency services. B200 Commenced operations: 2004. Personnel employed: Flight Nurses, Pilots and Support Services employees. Services provided: mental health services and health promotion to people living in Number of aircraft: 1 Beechcraft King Townsville Base central western Queensland. Air B200. Commenced operations: 1996. Personnel employed: Mental Health Services provided: aeromedical and professionals, a Health Promotion Officer emergency services. Cairns Base and Support Services employees. Commenced operations: 1972, following Personnel employed: Flight Nurses, relocation from Charters Towers. Pilots and Support Services employees. Mount Isa Base 1 Beechcraft King Air Services provided: telephone consultations, Number of aircraft: medical chests, aeromedical and emergency Commenced operations: 1964, following B200 and 1 Beechcraft King Air B200C. services and primary health care clinics relocation from Cloncurry. incorporating general practice, child and Services provided: telephone consultations, QCoal Community family health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait medical chests, aeromedical and emergency Dental Service Islander health, chronic disease management, services and primary health care clinics mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, incorporating general practice, child and Commenced operations: 2013. women’s health and health promotion. family health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Services provided: oral health maintenance, Personnel employed: Medical Officers, Islander health, mental health and health treatment for acute and pre-existing conditions Registered Nurses (Flight and Primary promotion. and treatment for gum disease. Health), Mental Health professionals, Health Personnel employed: Medical Officers, Personnel employed: 2 dentists and Promotion Officers, Community Liaison Flight Nurses, Child Health Workers, 3 dental assistants. and Development Consultants, Pilots and Community Liaison and Development Support Services employees. Officers, Pilots and Support Services Number of aircraft: 3 Beechcraft King employees. Air B200s and 2 Cessna Grand Caravan Number of aircraft: 3 Beechcraft King Air C208Bs. B200s and 1 Pilatus PC-12.

25 > QUEENSLAND SECTION Our Partners and Supporters

Funding Partners

Principal Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors – Wings for Life Gala Ball

Corporate Partners

YEAR IN REVIEW > 2014/15 26 How you can help >

To help meet the costs The money donated to the RFDS helps to: associated with running > buy vital medical equipment a 24 hour emergency > purchase and medically fit out aircraft and comprehensive health care service, the RFDS > develop a range of outback and rural health initiatives relies on the generosity Please donate today: of individuals, community > Mail to 12 Casuarina Street groups, business and the Brisbane Airport QLD 4008 corporate sector as well as > Call us on 1300 669 569 funding provided by the Commonwealth, State and > Visit our website www.flyingdoctor.org.au Territory Governments. A.B.N. 80 009 663 478

RFDS Bases >

RFDS Brisbane Base RFDS Mount Isa Base 12 Casuarina Street 11 Barkly Highway Brisbane Airport QLD 4008 Mount Isa QLD 4825 T 07 3860 1100 T 07 4743 2800 F 07 3860 1122 F 07 4743 0521 E [email protected] E [email protected]

RFDS Bundaberg Base RFDS Rockhampton Base Aeromedical Hangar Hangar 5, Aviation Drive Hinkler Airport Rockhampton QLD 4700 Childers Road T 07 4921 2221 Bundaberg QLD 4670 F 07 4921 2277 T 07 4131 3000 E [email protected] F 07 4155 2372 E [email protected] RFDS Roma Base RFDS Hangar RFDS Cairns Base QLD 4055 Royal Flying Doctor Street T 07 4624 4500 General Aviation F 07 4624 4504 QLD 4870 E [email protected] T 07 4040 0444 F 07 4040 0199 RFDS Townsville Base E [email protected] Hangar 117 Corner Gypsy Moth Court RFDS Charleville Base and Viscount Drive John Flynn Way QLD 4810 Charleville QLD 4470 T 07 4775 3111 T 07 4654 1233 F 07 4775 3511 F 07 4654 1629 E [email protected] E [email protected]

RFDS Longreach Base 137 B and C Eagle Street Longreach QLD 4730 T 07 4652 5800 F 07 4652 5899 E [email protected]