More negotiations needed to solve Careflight crisis

More discussions between NRMA CareFlight and the NSW Government are needed to solve the crisis engulfing the State´s emergency rescue helicopter service, NRMA Motoring & Services President Alan Evans said today.

?NRMA was extremely disappointed to learn that CareFlight was unsuccessful in its tender for NSW helicopter services - given its 20 years of outstanding service to the people of NSW,? Mr Evans said.

?The people of NSW have a right to a high-quality service. The community has a lot of confidence in CareFlight´s ability to provide rescue services.

?People have every right to expect that there will be a guaranteed, high-quality service in operation now and in the future.

?NRMA has been in constant contact with the Government to find a solution that will ensure a quality helicopter rescue service continues.

?We are disappointed that talks between CareFlight, NSW Ambulance and NSW Health have not progressed quickly enough or reached an outcome satisfactory to both parties.

?Many people in the community are frightened that rescue helicopter services may cease.

?We know that many of the CareFlight doctors have indicated that they will not work for CHC, the Canadian company which was awarded the tender. This would be disastrous, particularly in regional areas.

?Discussions between both parties must continue. NRMA will continue to support these discussions in any way we can.?

NRMA Motoring & Services sponsored NRMA CareFlight since 1990. In that time the service has saved the lives of more than 15,000 people.