The Bundaberg Region will soon have a new world-class purpose-built Aeromedical Base and Patient Transfer Facility.
A ceremonial sod turning was held today at Bundaberg Airport involving officials from venture partners, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, LifeFlight and funding providers.
Support for the aeromedical base has been forthcoming from the Australian Government and Bundaberg Regional Council.
The aeromedical base will replace the current hangar at Bundaberg Airport.
New facilities and design features include:
- Dedicated rotary and fixed-wing hangars;
- A patient transfer facility with dedicated space to accommodate and care for up to four patients and their families;
- An ambulance bay with two under-cover parking bays next to the new patient transfer facility;
- Dedicated clinical training and simulation room;
- Ample facilities for RFDS and LifeFlight clinical and aviation staff;
- Airway design so up to three aircraft can operate simultaneously from the large apron area in front of the base.
RFDS and LifeFlight transport almost 3500 patients a year from the Bundaberg Region.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the new aeromedical base was essential to service growing demand.
“Knowing your loved ones can be responded to quickly and efficiently offers extraordinary peace of mind to the average resident,” he said.
The sod turning was undertaken by LifeFlight board chairman Rob Borbidge, RFDS Queensland board chairman Mark Gray, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor.
