FLYING DOCTOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3865, 10 April 1928, Page 11

FLYING DOCTOR.

From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, March 22. In view of the enthusiasm for aviation, due to the success of Bert Hinkler, there was something extremely appropriate in the announcement just made that the first doctor had been appointed to the aerial medical service of the Australian Inland Mission. Here indeed is a striking illustration of the beneficient value of the 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 flying 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 a 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 be 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 wjll cover a zone of 300 miles radius. A contract has already been completed with Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (Ltd.) for one aeroplane, of being used-as an ambulance, with a piiojt in charge, and with accommodation for a doctor, a nurse, and one patient. The doctor will attend accident and urgent cases, render first on the spot, and, if advisable, transport them by air to hospital; make periodical '• medical tours to 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 doctors. Sir Sidney Kidman, who commended the work of the mission, suggested that four flying doctors should be appointed who could practise in districts where their services were badly needed. The number should be increased later-to at least six, and, perhaps, eight. “ I do not think . the people of Australia realise the immense amount of good the Australian Inland Mission, under the Rev. Jjphn Flynn, has done in the interior of Australia,'"' said Sir Sidney. “ He has been instrumental in establishing hostels, or nursing homes, at various places in the sparsely. inhabited interior, and two more are now being constructed. .1 do not think that he has received the praise he deserves. I know the inland mission very well, and I can appreciate its work.”