The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a new emergency department, more beds and world-class operating theatres at Ballarat Base Hospital - and now a new helipad on top of the new multi-level hospital tower will give patients who need emergency care faster access to the emergency department.
Minister for Heath Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Ballarat Base Hospital to announce an investment of $54 million to deliver the new helipad, as well as create an additional 400 car parks for staff and patients.
Works to significantly expand the existing multi-deck car park will get underway this year and will include relocating the existing helipad to the new multi-level tower - building a better and more direct connection to the new emergency department and operating theatres.
The new helipad will also be able to accommodate larger helicopters and will reduce noise impacts on residents - construction begins next year and during this time helicopters will be diverted to the nearby airport or oval.
The new tower - set for completion in 2027 - will include a new emergency department, women and children's hub, state-of-the-art theatre suite, 100 additional inpatient and short stay beds and the new helipad.
Works are continuing to ramp up, with construction on the new central energy plant and support services building featuring a pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre underway, in addition to the recently completed diagnostics department.
Four times the size of the previous facility, and in a more accessible location, the new department will cut waiting times for vital services including heart monitoring and pacemaker revision, brain monitoring, respiratory function testing and blood pressure monitoring.
The extra car parks are being delivered following community consultation which found more parking including access to short-term emergency drop-off parking was a top priority for the community - with close to 800 car parks when complete it's expected to take pressure off local roads and give patients easier access to the hospital.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The new helipad will give patients quicker access to the emergency department and operating theatres - ensuring patients in an emergency get the care they need as fast as possible."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"Our investment to increase onsite parking will give workers, patients and visitors better access to the care they need - especially when coming at night."
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"This announcement will ensure the redevelopment meets the needs of Ballarat now and well into the future."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"The new diagnostics department is ensuring more patients are getting the care they need, close to home."
