Morno:
I am not up with Healthspeak, so am not sure what you mean by Primary Health Care roles....can you elaborate?
I am not arguing with or questioning the use of PC24s, King Airs, or PC12s for medical evacuation - I agree with you that, absolutely, get the latest and best for such a vital role.
I am questioning the use of these aircraft for inter-hospital transfers, and for clinic runs. It is my understanding that not all inter-hospital transfers are for patients who are in a critical condition requiring specialist medical attention on the flight.
Towering Q:
RFDS Westops contract some of the clinic runs out to charter companies.
Going by the annual report ending 30 June 2013, the figures quoted are for block hours, both RFDS and charter. Central Ops have the highest rate of charter hours - 8.9% of the total of all block hours are done by charter companies, all out of Alice Springs. Western Ops have 4.8%, South East section is 4.5%, while Queensland brings up the rear with 2.5%.
Please note - I am assuming that all charter block hours used are for clinic runs / hospital transfers. I am assuming that the total block hours refers to the total hours flown by the RFDS aircraft in all roles. I am willing to be corrected if these assumptions are in error.