Celebration of transport service

Healthcare providers have celebrated Royal Flying Doctor Service’s community transport initiative in Warracknabeal.

Regional healthcare services and Victorian Primary Health Networks are working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, RFDS, to offer the free transport service from clients’ homes to health appointments and social support groups.

The program relies on volunteer drivers and is in place across 10 communities statewide, including Warracknabeal and St Arnaud.

Rural Northwest Health chief executive Jenni Masters, at the celebration at Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House, said it was a ‘vital’ service.

“It’s not only good for the health system as it means clients turn up to their appointments, leaving no gaps; but it’s also good for both the volunteer drivers who value the role and the driving, as well as the social connections when the patient and driver are sitting in the car together having a conversation,” she said.

The service first established in Heathcote five years ago, before expanding to Rochester in 2021. A further eight sites have launched across the state in less than 12 months.

Clients must be aged 65 and older, have a current pension, Department of Veterans’ Affairs or healthcare card, live within a designated pick-up zone and access a health or wellbeing appointment, or a formally funded social support to be eligible for the service.

People wanting more information, or to register to use the service, can phone 7046 4664 or email communitytransport@rfdsvic. com.au

LET’S GO: From left, volunteer driver Kim Barnard, Royal Flying Doctor Service well-being clinician David Turnbull, Rural Northwest Health chief executive Jenni Masters, volunteer driver Alison Whelan, Yarriambiack shire mayor Kylie Zanker and Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Dr Melanie Trivett, Fiona Monteith and Len Davis at a celebration of the Warracknabeal community transport service.