A recent increase in funding means that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) will now be able to ensure a Doctor is onboard during their rescue missions.   

This unique partnership, which provides aeromedical protection for the people of the Hunter region, will deliver even higher standards of health care following the funding announcement by the NSW Minister for Health.

WRHS General Manager, Richard Jones, said that the $4.8 million for the Hunter and $2 million for the New England/North West for the provision of doctors on helicopter missions was welcomed by the hundreds of thousands of people in those regions who contribute to the funding of the Service.

“This partnership with the community is widely regarded as a benchmark and the Minister’s announcements today of funding and allocation of doctors and paramedics for our missions strengthens our capability to serve those in need,” Richard said.

No one has ever paid to be assisted by the WRHS, this is because their fellow citizens and the NSW Government through NSW Health and the Ambulance Service of NSW provide the funds that ensure the rescue helicopters are there when and where they are needed.

The WRHS undertakes more than 1000 missions each year and operates 24 hours a day every day of the year.

They are currently preparing to tender for an expected contract that will require coverage for all of northern NSW.

“We have always worked closely with the NSW Department of Health and with Ambulance NSW to attain the ever increasing standards needed in health related systems.

In Australia’s longest serving corporate partnership, Westpac Banking Corporation have been the naming rights partner since 1975, allowing the WRHS to remain owned and operated by the community.