Murray Now

Communities in more remote Western regions of the Murray are benefitting from charter flights that connect medical practitioners to their patients.

The flights are funded by the Royal Flying Doctors Service and run by Greater Southern Area Health Service. Smartair operates the flights most weeks out of Albury Airport and services Deniliquin, Hay, West Wyalong, Griffith and Wagga Wagga.

Smartair Marketing Manager Meredith Ashton says it's already providing a vital service, but there's room to expand.

"Once more medical practitioners become aware of this service, they'll be able to avoid the long and often tiring drive to different towns along the Murray," Ms Ashton said.

"For example, a return drive to Deniliquin might take 5 hours, where as a charter flight is generally 45 minutes each way. Doctors who drive may need to consider an overnight stay, but taking advantage of the charter flights allows them to return home that afternoon. It provides a better level of service for everyone."

The charter flights have attracted interest from a range of medical professionals including general practitioners, an audiologist, psychiatrist, speech pathologist, dementia counsellor, and aged care nurse.

The Border Medical Recruitment Taskforce is promoting this service to further boost interest in the flights.

With a shortage of rural general practitioners and allied health professionals in regional areas, the charter flights will become an additional marketing tool to attract specialists to the Murray region.

"I think it would be very valuable for potential new doctors to know that this service exists, thanks to the Royal Flying Doctors Service," Ms Ashton said.

"If a medical professional was contemplating moving to the region and setting up shop here, it would be beneficial for them to know they could expand their practice by servicing additional Murray region towns.

"Additionally, it raises a standard of health care in our smaller communities, so it's a win-win situation for everyone."

If you are a medical professional considering relocation to the Murray Region, please click here to contact the team at Murray Now.