Sandy Dann with Judith Barker (CEO of RFDS WA) 060924

Radio Goolarri

In this engaging interview, Sandy Dann speaks with Judith Barker, the CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Western Australia. Judith shares her extensive experience in emergency services, beginning her career as a paramedic and now leading one of the largest aerial medical services in the world. She reflects on the RFDS's critical role in providing healthcare to remote and regional areas, especially in WA's vast landscape. Judith highlights the RFDS's ongoing work, including GP and dental clinics in remote communities, aiming to keep people healthy and on country, reducing the need for emergency flights to Perth. She discusses the challenges of providing equitable healthcare to remote populations and the organization's mission through 2028: improving regional health outcomes by addressing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension before they escalate into emergencies. Judith also talks about the RFDS's vision for expanding services, the role of community fundraising in replacing planes, and the significant impact of introducing jets, which have dramatically reduced travel times for patients in critical condition. Throughout the interview, Judith emphasizes the passion she and her team share for supporting regional health and the importance of collaboration with local healthcare organizations to make a lasting difference in the lives of remote communities in WA.