ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher MLA today paid tribute to the capital's 'retrieval doctors' who are now recognised to train other would-be specialists.

The Capital Region Retrieval Service (CRRS), which provides the medical (doctor) crew for the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter region has achieved Specialty College Accreditation for training in Retrieval Medicine.

"Since 1998, as part of the crew on the SnowyHydro SouthCare helicopter, Canberra's retrieval doctors have assisted in over 4700 lifesaving rescue and retrieval missions in the ACT and regional NSW. It is important to recognise the valuable contribution this service provides to our region," the Chief Minister said.

"The dedication of highly specialised doctors, ACT ambulance flight paramedics, pilots and air crewmen should be acknowledged, as they often face challenging conditions when transporting and rescuing patients."

Senior registrar doctors training to be specialists in the areas of Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Anaesthetics can now apply to undertake a Retrieval Medicine term as part of their advanced training which will be accredited by their Specialty College.

The majority of patients are transferred to the Canberra Hospital for further care.

"This is an important service for our region, the service is responsible for saving hundreds of lives each year and for providing medical assistance as well as assisting in search and rescue missions. At the conclusion of the 2012 medical training, six senior registrars will have completed their Retrieval Medicine term," the Chief Minister concluded.

In 2011, in recognition of the excellent quality of training and clinical excellence within CRRS and the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter service, CRRS applied to the College of Intensive Care Medicine, the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists to have the service accredited as a recognised training position within the respective colleges. After a series of visits, reviews and interviews all three colleges have accredited CRRS and SouthCare for training for the next five years.

"This award recognises the high standard of training provided by the Capital Region Retrieval Service, Canberra Hospital and the SnowyHydro SouthCare helicopter service in Retrieval Medicine," Dr Kelvin Grove, director of the Capital Region Retrieval Service said.

"It also recognises the high level of patient care provided in a challenging environment and will contribute to the recruitment and retention of highly qualified medical staff at the Canberra Hospital."