Federal Government looks to RFDS to help NDIS delivery into remote WA communities

The Royal Flying Doctor Service could be called on by the Federal Government to help address faltering disability services delivery to outback WA’s remote communities. In a meeting between Federal NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds and RFDS health service delivery general manager Damien Whitham in Broome at the start of October, options were canvassed to bring the RFDS into the NDIS service delivery fold. That could see the RFDS fly NDIS staff into remote communities to undertake assessments and play a role in identifying people who need support. It was an attractive idea, Ms Reynolds said, given the RFDS’ existing network and relation-ship with remote community leaders. “They are the trusted clinicians and they have a relationship with the community elders,” she said. “They could play an important role in helping us identify people that do need some support with particular disabilities. “Whether that is disability support pension, allied health support or equipment, or indeed people who need to be on the NDIS. “But also help us get our own people into community to do some of those assessments and organise packages and paperwork and providing greater support.” Ms Reynolds said she was confident the Federal Government would put money on the table to get the RFDS involved in the scheme. Mr Whitham said the RFDS would be able to accommodate such a move should it transpire. “We are very well placed to assist,” he said. “I think our GPs are very well placed to look at some of the issues identified by Senator Reynolds and take people out to assist those people with disabilities to get them the kind of chronic (health) care they need. “It is well overdue and I welcome the partnership.” Mr Whitham said funding would need to be allocated to new assets, people and developing new procedures.