Dr Chris Burns
MINISTER FOR HEALTH
11 December 2008
Major Overhaul of Top End Aeromed Services
The Northern Territory Government will implement all of the recommendations of the Cornish review into the Top End aeromedical retrieval service.
“We want the best possible aeromedical service for the people of the Top End and these reforms will help achieve that,” the Health Minister Chris Burns said.
Dr Burns said the NT Government would immediately begin work on two of the main recommendations:
The implementation of a centralised clinical co-ordination system
$1 million has been made available to set up a co-ordination centre to ensure a more efficient aeromedical retrieval service
On top of this recommendation, the NT Government will spend $2 million to extend the overnight helicopter service until the middle of next year.
Adopt a best practice aircraft requirement and replacement program
The contract to operate the service will also be re-tendered to cater for increasing demand in regional and remote areas
“The implementation of a centralised clinical co-ordination system will give District Medical Officers a single point of contact to triage cases and lead to liaison with aviators, ambulance services and the receiving hospital.
“This will streamline our current operations and improve efficiency.”
“John Cornish also recommends fleet replacement of the present aeromedical fleet to improve aircraft availability and reliability,” Dr Burns said.
“Pearl Aviation has done an excellent job within the current contract parameters but procurement requirements mean a new tender must be let to meet that recommendation.
“The current fleet of planes require high levels of maintenance. Bringing in a newer fleet will reduce the time planes are out of action because of repairs.
“As soon as it is safe to do so, a fixed-wing aircraft will also be re-based in Katherine. In the interim, the dedicated, medically-equipped after-hours helicopter retrieval service will continue to service the region.”
Dr Burns said the five remaining recommendations of the Cornish review would mainly be progressed through the tender process.
“This is an important service for people living in Top End communities. This Government will ensure that increased demands on the service are met in an efficient and sustainable way.”
Press release from Chris Burns in relation to NTAMS...up for re-tender so they can action the recommendations from the Cornish report which can be found (in brief) on the web.