A new rooftop helipad at Port Macquarie Base Hospital is complete, improving the safety and efficiency of critically ill patient transfers.
The helipad was relocated from the ground level to the hospitals rooftop and will result in quicker transfers of patients by providing aeromedical clinicians with direct access to the emergency department and operating theatres.
As one of the major referral hospitals for the Mid North Coast region, its estimated this new helipad will support up to 60 patient transfers each year.
The helipad is purpose-built to meet the aeromedical needs of the local community into the future and is equipped with tailored deck lighting, ensuring optimal visibility for pilots, particularly at night. Operational commissioning of the helipad was completed with successful takeoff and landing trials conducted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
In addition to the helipad, work on a new car park on the health campus is expected to begin in early 2024. This car park expansion will provide more than 180 additional parking spaces and include improvements to the existing car parks, ensuring safe and convenient access to hospital services for patients, visitors and staff.