Construction work has begun on the $15 million elevated helipad at the Launceston General Hospital, as the Rockliff Liberal Government delivers on its long-term plan and does what matters for all Tasmanians.
Initial works include installation of supporting infrastructure, before the helipad itself is lifted into place in sections using a tower crane.
The new helipad, to be built on the top of the hospital's Cleveland St car park, will provide a vital piece of infrastructure for emergency aeromedical patient transport to and from the LGH.
The rooftop location will allow for the construction of a contemporary helipad incorporating state of the art features and provides for aerobridge connection into the hospital for direct transfer to Emergency Department, ICU and operating theatres.
Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said ensuring patients in need of critical and life-saving medical intervention can be transported safely and efficiently to the LGH is a vital part of Tasmania's emergency medical response protocol.
"This helipad will support Tasmania's highly trained paramedics, emergency medicine specialists and nurses, and our aeromedical contractor, Rotor-Lift Aviation, in the work they do every single day to save lives," Minister Barnett said.
"The Rockliff Liberal Government has worked closely with Ambulance Tasmania, LGH clinical staff, AviPro Aviation Consultants, Artas Architects and Rotor-Lift Aviation to design the new helipad, which forms part of the LGH Precinct Masterplan.
"We are delivering on our long-term plan to provide Tasmanians with the healthcare system they deserve."
Aeromedical services continue to be available for patients who require urgent transfer to or from the LGH, with Launceston Airport being used as the landing site for aero-medical transport until the new helipad is delivered.
The helipad is expected to be operational by the middle of next year.
