Doctor’s 20 years in the air
20 YEARS ago, patients not considered to be living in the outback weren’t under the mantle of care provided by the legendary Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) until a grassroots’ campaign led by Judy Jakins and Jack and Ellie Stanmore began to spark interest in the concept of establishing a flying doctor base at Dubbo to service those areas.
“I’d rather have a broken neck at Tibooburra than Tullamore,” Judy Jakins was quoted during the campaign, referring to the fact that if you suffered severe injuries in the outback you’d be picked up and flown to hospital via a comfortable aeroplane, whereas at centres closer-in you’d have to endure hours of rough travel in the back of a road-going ambulance.
The road the RFDS Base is sited on is now Judy Jakins Drive, and now that base is celebrating its 20th anniversary of operations on February 24.
Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) CEO Greg Sam said he’s proud when he looks at the two decades of health services delivered to communities within the area of operations from the Dubbo Base, such as inter-hospital patient transfers, emergency retrievals, blood storage, and dental services.
The Dubbo crew didn’t even slacken off during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, instead working harder than ever to keep their planes and equipment super sanitised and in the air.
“Over the last year the RFDS Dubbo Base recorded 1670 patient transfers, 4032 landings, and 1,279,575 kilometres flown,” Mr Sam said.
He said the service couldn’t thank local supporters enough, a sentiment echoed by RFDS South Eastern Section president Alex Scamps.
“We want to thank the Dubbo Support Group for their dedication and determination to enliven the Dubbo Base with a clear vision for Dubbo,” Mr Scamps said.
“Our dedicated teams deserve special mention, no matter the role they play, our employees do the work of bringing quality healthcare to our network.
“Today the RFDS Dubbo base employs 13 flight nurses, 22 doctors, 18 pilots, 3 dentists, and 57 other base staff,” he said.
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders and Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields joined Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) board members, base staff, past patients, supporters, and suppliers to celebrate the special day.