The new $16 million helipad at Launceston General Hospital (LGH) is now operational, allowing safer and more efficient transfers of critically ill patients.
Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the new facility will get patients into the intensive care unit (ICU), emergency department or operating theatres faster.
“We know every second counts in a medical emergency, so being able to fly directly to and from our major northern hospital will further support our fantastic health workforce … in delivering better care for patients,” she said.
“Located on the roof of the Cleveland Street multi-storey car park, the helipad is directly linked to the main hospital building through an aerobridge, enabling the rapid transit of patients to and from the relevant clinical areas.”
It will also allow for rescue helicopters to take off or to land in adverse weather conditions.
The project created around 240 jobs and involved around 12 to 18 months of work.
Ambulance Tasmania chief executive Jordan Emery said the helipad is expected to host a chopper two to three times per week.
“We know from later this week, our helicopters will be actively landing on this helipad right here and providing that life-saving care to Tasmanians as part of a fully integrated critical care network across the state,” he said.
“It’s a state-of-the-art pad … it has all the redundant safety features and fire suppression features which are critical to safe and contemporary helicopter operations.”
“It’ll stand to benefit Tasmanians for decades to come.”
The new helipad replaces the previous landing site at Ockerby Gardens, which was closed due to safety concerns.
During the transition period, paramedics have been landing at Launceston Airport and transporting patients to the hospital by ambulance.