A $100,000 donation from South32 Cannington has given the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) a major boost as it continues to respond to COVID-19 in north west Queensland.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The funding has enabled the RFDS Mount Isa base buy important new equipment, including personal protection equipment and personal respirators for staff, new disinfectant machines for aircraft, a ventilator which will support COVID-19 patients and influenza vaccines for remote communities.
Joe Russell, South32 Cannington Vice President Operations said they were proud to support the work of the RFDS as they respond to COVID-19.
"It's great to see South32's funding being put to such good use. The RFDS does a fantastic job providing care for our communities and we are very happy to help out wherever we can," Mr Russell said.
RFDS Mount Isa Manager Clinical and Base Operations, Fiona Liddle, thanked South32 for the donation.
"Throughout the pandemic, the RFDS has remained fully operational. The donation of this equipment has helped ensure the safety of both our staff and patients," Ms Liddle said.
"The support is incredibly timely and will allow us to continue to deliver the finest care to the furthest corner of the state."
The funding given to the RFDS Mount Isa Base was part of $1 million that South32 has delivered to help communities near their Australian operations better respond to COVID-19. Along with the RFDS, funding has also been given to Lifeline and Foodbank.
Between February and mid-August, the RFDS has transported more than 1450 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients across the country, including 35 in Queensland.
The RFDS Mount Isa team also administered more than 740 influenza vaccines between May and July, helping to safeguard remote communities.
READ MORE: Kath McQueen mixes with the boys in broncs
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.