Maseru Private Hospital was opened in Thetsane where local medical professionals consult and operate. The hospital is supported by staff from Bloemfontein, South Africa. Facilities at the hospital consist of a 24 hour casualty and emergency department and maternity department. A Flying Doctor Service provides emergency services, and aids the implementation of health care programmes to remote mountainous areas. Single engine Cessna planes are specially fitted with stretchers and first aid kits in order to transport patients comfortably. A team of up to six passengers flies to outlining clinics every three weeks. The team consists of a doctor, a public health nurse, a pharmacy technician and a dentist. The Mission Aviation Fellowship supplies the pilots. Due to Lesotho’s close ties with Ireland, an Irish doctor employed by the Ministry of Health of Ireland assists in this program.