The State Government has agreed to underwrite a new medical jet service for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) for the next three years, with $3million funding from Royalties for Regions.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the medical jet was in addition to three new RFDS turboprop aircraft previously announced by the State Government when it boosted funding to RFDS by an extra $29.9million from the Royalties for Regions Fund.

Mr Grylls said the RFDS was establishing the new medical jet service with the support of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, which has committed $4.8million to a three-year pilot program.

“The State Government supports and congratulates Rio Tinto Iron Ore and the RFDS on this joint initiative,” he said.

“RFDS flights transporting trauma patients from the Kimberley and the Pilbara to Perth are the longest, routinely undertaken, medical retrieval flights in the world.

“The new jet service will greatly improve emergency response capability and reduce flight times for patients being transported to Perth metropolitan hospitals from regional hospitals in the State’s remote North-West.

“The availability of the jet will also ensure that turboprop aircraft and crews at the RFDS Derby and Port Hedland bases will remain within the region and be available to respond quickly in an emergency.

“Significantly, the new jet aircraft will be the only aeromedical jet in Australia able to transport three stretcher patients at one time.

“This will be an invaluable asset when responding to emergencies involving multiple casualties, such as the recent rescue and evacuation of asylum seekers from the Kimberley’s remote Ashmore Reef.”

Health Minister Kim Hames said the State Government had agreed to underwrite the establishment of the new jet service, on the basis that it would be commercially viable at the completion of the three-year pilot program.

“The three-year pilot program, to commence immediately, will be reviewed in the second year to determine its effectiveness and value for money,” Dr Hames said.

“The review will also assess the impact of the jet on future fleet requirements, including the provision of the third additional turboprop aircraft due for purchase in 2010-11.”

Dr Hames said the additional funding increased total State Government funding to the RFDS to more than $171million over five years to 2013.

“The State Government is committed to ensuring all Western Australians have access to quality health services no matter where they live,” he said.

“We welcome the arrival of the new medical jet service which represents a significant step forward in improving access to health services through better patient transport for country communities.”