26/03/2026
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is seeking expressions of interest from NT cattle stations to be involved in a trial of virtual emergency care units.
Delivered in partnership with NT Cattlemen's Association (NTCA), NT Health's Medical Retrieval & Consultation Centre (MRaCC) and Remote Outreach Consultation Centre (ROCC), the trial will equip selected cattle stations in the Barkly and Central Australia with portable virtual health technology.
Rather than relying on a fixed clinic, the trial will deploy portable 'virtual care backpacks' and desktop telehealth solutions that can connect patients directly with 24/7 clinicians.
NTCA chief executive Romy Carey said the initiative represents an important step forward for safety and wellbeing across the pastoral industry.
"Cattle stations are workplaces, homes and communities, often located many hours from the nearest medical help," she said.
"We're essentially going to have an emergency department in a backpack, and I know that it's going to bring a lot of reassurance for those who travel out in stock camps for weeks on end."
To learn more about the technology, ABC Rural spoke to RFDS' Caroline Mason.
✍️Story by Matt Brann
Listen on: https://shorturl.at/obTaB