CareFlight earns rare triple commendation in national accreditation

Australian air medical provider CareFlight has achieved a rare feat in its latest accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards for Ambulance Services, securing three formal commendations and no recommendations for improvement.

The organization is among the first air medical providers in the country to record such an outcome – an achievement described as significant in a sector that blends high-risk aviation operations with complex critical care.

Set by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, the NSQHS Standards outline national expectations for clinical governance, patient safety, and culturally safe care. Assessors found that CareFlight not only met but, in several areas, exceeded these benchmarks.

Three areas of excellence were highlighted: education and training; the CareFlight and Viva In-Language Program; and strong multidisciplinary communication supporting patient safety.

CareFlight CEO Mick Frewen said the result reflected organization-wide commitment. “Every member of CareFlight contributes to delivering safe, responsive care across our communities,” he said, adding that governance structures supported both patient safety and community needs. “These commendations are an opportunity to… reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement.”

Renata Melan, General Manager of Clinical Services, said the accreditation underlined the provider’s patient-centered approach. “Our priority is always the people we serve… care that is safe, timely, and compassionate,” she said.

National Medical Director Dr Toby Fogg noted the importance of cultural accessibility. “Providing care that is accessible, culturally aware, and respectful makes a real difference… This recognition reinforces our responsibility to deliver health services that respond to local needs.”

The In-Language Program – which provides information on healthcare rights in nine First Nations languages – was praised by Jodie Mills, General Manager of CareFlight Northern Territory Operations. “Cultural safety is central to every patient’s journey… Delivering healthcare in language is a milestone,” she said, adding that recognition for communication across aviation and medicine was “a career highlight”.

CareFlight recently expanded its pre-hospital care with fibrinogen concentrate.