Page 15 - Sphere No.22 (Aug 2008)

MAIN PHOTO AND TOP RIGHT: THE AUSTRALIAN; ABOVE, THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE SPHERE 13
munities such as Oodnadatta, Woomera andMarree, where
the combined total population is about 10,000. As the proj-
ect becomes established, new families and participants will
be recruited.
“Some changes in lifestyle habits may appear simplistic
but their effect can be quite dramatic,” says Dr John Setchell,
General Manager Health Services, RFDS Central Opera-
tions. “Even basic forms of physical activity such as walking
can achieve significant beneficial outcomes. The long-term
support offered by the Li Ka Shing Foundation will allow us
to facilitate the generational changes necessary to improve
in remote communities
The Royal Flying Doctor
Service provides a lifeline
for those who live in rural
and remote Australia
by treating the sick
and encouraging healthy
lifestyles.
* Based in South Australia
* *Aeromedical transfers includes emergency evacuations and hospital transfers
FACTS AND FIGURES
Central National
Operations*
Service Area
(million sq. km) 2.3 7.15
Number
of Staff 120 705
Number
of Aircraft 11 47
Number of
Aircraft Bases 3 21
Number of
Health Facilities 3 6
Daily Annually Daily Annually
Patients Attended 141 51,391 665 242,547
Aeromedical
Evacuations** 21 7,604 96 35,089
Distance
Flown (km) 12,330 4,500,336 59,492 21,714,595
Number
of Landings 35 12,706 178 65,074
Healthcare
ClinicVisits 10 3,506 34 12,247
Telehealth
Consultations 37 13,439 207 75,439