21 December 2007

Regional helicopter contracts secured for another five years

NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, today announced that current arrangements for the provision of regional helicopter services in the areas of Hunter, Tamworth, Lismore and with Telstra ChildFlight will continue for a further five years.

Ms Meagher said the renewal of contracts would provide certainty of funding for the community-based helicopter organisations which provided the service and ensure the continuation of vital aeromedical retrieval services in regional NSW.

"The Iemma Government's contribution to these organisations will ensure the continuation of a safe and reliable helicopter retrieval service for the communities of rural and regional NSW," Ms Meagher said.

"It is a service that I know people hope they never need, because it means there has been some sort of trauma, but one they feel reassured is ready to go when they need help."

Ms Meagher thanked the Ambulance Service of NSW and all of the organisations involved in the negotiations for the five-year contracts.

"The people of NSW can be assured that they are receiving value for their money," Ms Meagher said.

The regional helicopter retrieval services in the Hunter, Tamworth and Lismore form a vital link with services in Sydney, Orange and Wollongong to provide the state-wide Ambulance Emergency Medical Helicopter network.

"The continuation of the contracts for these rural and regional services, combined with the medical support of our doctors and ambulance paramedics, will ensure that this vital service will continue to meet both community and health system requirements into the future," Ms Meagher said.

"The Iemma Government is delivering on its commitment to provide access to high-quality aeromedical retrieval services and ambulance services across NSW.

"This year's record health budget invested $316 million in ambulance services - an increase of $20.7 million or 7 per cent on the previous year.

"The Iemma Government's ongoing investment builds on the outstanding care provided by our ambulance paramedics, doctors and nurses, giving them more resources to meet patients' needs," Ms Meagher said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au