THE FLYING DOCTOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19916, 9 April 1928, Page 7

THE FLYING DOCTOR.

NEW AUSTRALIAN SERVICE. ' VALUABLE MISSION WORK. [from our own correspondent.] SYDNEY, Maj:ch 22. In view of the enthusiasm for aviation, - ( due to the success of Bert Kinkier, there was something extremely appropriate in the announcement just made that the first doctor had been appointed to the aerial medical service of ihe Australian Inland Mission. Here, indeed, is a striking illustration of the beneficent value of tho aeroplane in a wide field. Aeroplanes, may play their part in war and in commerce, but to succour the sick is surely their grandest mission. The flyifig doctor will visit many places never before able to call up medical aid. The honour of the appointment to this position has fallen on-Dr. K. St. Vincent Welch. Dr. Welch's new practice will cover ai vast circuit; probably too vast for one man and one machine. However, the mission had to make a beginning and hopes to extend its operations as soon as funds will permit. Cloncurry, in Western Queensland, will bo the base of operations for the present. It will be impossible, so it is said, for him to answer more than a small proportion of the calls received, but the idea is that Dr« Welch should secure the data necessary for the development of the service. He will cover a zone of 300 miles radius. A contract has already been completed with Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, Ltd.,. for one aeroplane, capable of being used a& an ambulance, with a pilot in charge, and with accommodation for a doctor, a nurse and one. patient, . The doctor will attend accident ' and urgent , ca»jes, render first aid on the spot, and, if advisable, transport them by air to hospital; make periodical medical tours to -/r districts at present beyond the range of ordinary existing services; and, as far as other duties will permit, be available, if desired, for consultation with isolated local (ioctoi's. i- j Sir Sidney Kidman, who commended the work of the mission, suggested that four flying doctors should be appointed who couKf practise in districts w |!! re their services were badly needed. number should be increased later least six and, perhaps, eight. . "I do not think the people of Australia realist* the immense amount of . good the Australian Inland Mission, under the Rev. John Flyun, has done aji the mtwoi of Australia," said Sir Sidney. He has been instrumental in establishing hostels or nursing homes at, various places in tho, ■sDM-selv-inhabited interior, aHi. two more are now being constructed. J So not -think ihit, lia has received tho *pniise lis |||[®* 2ZJTI tiiawMJio well 4Ud I lis .jvOiw-'