Plans to Expand Flying Doctor Service in New South Wales
The executive director of the south east section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, has announced plans to expand the service in the west of New South Wales.
Clyde Thomson met with the Minister for Western New South Wales, Kevin Humphries last week to discuss possibilities to expand the service. According to Mr Thomson, Mr Humphries was very positive about plans to expand the dental and medical services offered by the Flying Doctors. Thomson said that representatives were now working on formal plans, which will be submitted in the coming months.
The plans must be approved and written by investment by the Commonwealth and the State and as a result of this, the RFDS is working with the University department of Rural Health to collate information and produce a well-structured and researched plan.
Thomson said that he believes there is a real need for dental services around Dubbo, as there is also a shortage of dentists in western New South Wales, which was affecting standards of oral health amongst young people.
Mr Humphries said that a change of funding should be made to cater for the change in services provided by the Flying Doctors and the organisation is now providing primary care and clinical services, as well as emergency care, which should be reflected in the funding they receive. Mr Humphries said that he has taken the cost of running the aircraft into consideration and he will be discussing the issue in Sydney in the near future.
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