Tuesday, 27 February 2020
Since 2018, CareFlight has been providing patient transport service to provide patients from regional areas across northern NSW access to tertiary health services that are not available regionally. The new vehicle also features CareFlight’s first fully electric stretcher beds, providing more efficient and comfortable transport for patients with decreased mobility. The vehicle will mean 3,000 patients each year can reach specialist medical services at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle that aren’t available in their local community.
CareFlight CEO, Mick Frewen said the PTV will significantly improve access to health services for patients from regional areas in Northern NSW, without the added burden of lengthy travel times.
We transport patients with all levels of need, including serious cardiovascular problems, obstetric complications and severe burns, as well as people injured in car, motorbike and farm vehicle accidents, Mick said.
Often private or public transport isn’t a viable option for people with serious medical requirements. Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s generous support will make obtaining the best medical care more accessible for thousands of regional and rural people, he added.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Director, Jennifer Leslie said CareFlight’s PTV aligns with the Foundation’s objective to ensure people have access to the health and well-being services they need, regardless of their postcode.
People in regional communities are entitled to access the best medical services available without the unnecessary burden of lengthy or uncomfortable travel. The Charitable Foundation’s partnership with CareFlight means people can access the care they need and get home again to loved ones, as efficiently and safely as possible, Jennifer said.
Patients from Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Armidale and surrounding districts will have access to the world-class specialists operating at John Hunter Hospital and benefit from improved transport journey , she said.
The vehicle will provide the transport link between CareFlight’s air ambulance planes and John Hunter Hospital. The vehicle will be based at CareFlight’s Newcastle Airport facility.
Read more about CareFlight here.