RFDS wins telehealth contract

l FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

THE Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is to extend its afterhours telehealth services across Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) chief executive Robin Whyte said the RFDS was selected as the lead provider following a robust tendering process to ensure timely access to safe and high-quality afterhours services for North Queenslanders.

“There is a significant need for timely access to afterhours health care across our region and we are pleased to be working with RDFS to deliver this important service,” she said.

“RFDS has been providing afterhours telehealth services in the Torres and Cape region and with the newly awarded contract, their services will expand across the Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay regions.”

With the help of the lifeguard service, 12 beaches between Mission Beach and Port Douglas will be patrolled for the start of the Easter school holiday. SLSQ will also have drones operating at Ellis Beach and Etty Bay.

Last Easter long weekend, lifesavers and lifeguards recorded more than 35,000 visitors to North Queensland beaches, 18 people required treatment for a marine sting and a further 31 people required first aid treatment.

North Queensland regional manager

BY CHRIS BENDALL

Jen Rees said the organisation wanted all locals and visitors to enjoy the beautiful North Queensland beaches during the holiday period but to do so safely.

“To make sure you have a fun and safe experience, please swim only at patrolled locations, within the designated swimming enclosures,” she said.

Grear Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s field management operations director Chris Cochrane said it was a timely reminder for everyone to know the zoning rules and what was allowed in the marine park, for locals and holidaymakers alike

“It might be holidays for most, but this is a busy time of the year for our compliance teams — aerial and vessel patrols are running day and night over the Easter holidays, targeting illegal fishing activities Reef-wide,” he said.

“Please don’t be complacent about where you are and what you’re doing

— if you’re caught fishing in a no-take green zone, intentional or not you could receive a $2750 fine.” incredible story of hope, saving the world and finding your voice is the perfect school holiday activity for ages 12+.

RFDS (Queensland section) chief executive Meredith Staib said telehealth services were critical to healthcare delivery and the Flying Doctor was proud to be supporting NQPHN in this increased capacity.

She said telehealth services gave better access to specialists, facilitated earlier diagnosis for patients, and had also been proven to decrease the number of aeromedical retrievals.

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