(NEW SOUTH WALES) – A volunteer network providing free air and ground transport to medical appointments across regional Australia has facilitated about 70,000 flights for patients in New South Wales alone. The service, Angel Flight, connects people in remote areas with specialist treatment in cities, removing the burden of long car journeys and costly commercial fares.
Angel Flight coordinates non-emergency travel for patients of all ages and financial backgrounds. The organisation does not means-test applicants. A referral from a rural health practitioner is the only requirement. The youngest passenger carried was a three-day-old infant. The oldest was 101 years of age. Journeys range from flights into Sydney hospitals to trips to the Gold Coast and other destinations. The service often supports patients on regular treatment schedules, such as chemotherapy, where missing an appointment can mean removal from a clinical trial.
The charity is led by CEO Marjorie Pagani, who took the role on an interim basis 12 years ago and has remained since. She explained that Angel Flight relies on roughly 5,000 volunteer pilots who use their own aircraft. A similar number of ground volunteers, called Earth Angels, collect patients from city airports and drive them to their medical appointments, then return them for the flight home.
Volunteer pilot Rob Evans has been flying for the organisation for 23 years. He described moments of deep meaning during flights, including one trip taking an elderly man home to Longreach to die. Bad weather made the journey difficult, but as the aircraft descended, cloud broke and golden sunset light filled the cabin. On landing, the local community had gathered. Friends, family, the mayor, ambulance staff and local reporters were present, asking how they could support the charity.
Pagani said the service began about 24 years ago when advertising executive Bill Bristow, who owned an aeroplane, noticed specialist clinic closures across the country. He spoke with doctors and learned of the suffering caused by distance from care. Bristow established the service. Pagani joined as a pro bono aviation lawyer before becoming CEO. She said Angel Flight will pay for commercial airfares in cases where a patient is too frail for a long trip in a light aircraft, such as taking someone home for end of life care.
The organisation continues to expand its reach. Pagani said she could not recall the last time a transport request could not be met, crediting the network of pilots and drivers. Evans said the experience cuts through to what is worthwhile and meaningful, as passengers may be experiencing the worst time of their lives or celebrating remission.
Angel Flight operates nationwide and encourages public support. Details are available online.