Disability Equipment

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (9 February 2016).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change):

1. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) transported both the patient and wheelchair in a return flight from Adelaide to Whyalla on Saturday morning, 13 February 2016.

2. Every effort is made to accommodate the transport of disability aids, however, the safety of the patient and crew on board the aircraft and ability to appropriately monitor patients during flights is essential. SA Health facilities have a supply of aids available that can be provided to patients in the event they are unable to have their personal aids transported. SA Health staff will always do their utmost to accommodate patient needs for assistance.

3. While SAAS cannot routinely carry wheelchairs safely in ambulance vehicles due to space and storage restrictions, special requests are assessed and determined on a case by case basis.