Tuesday 28 October 2014
New helipad for University Hospital Geelong
- Direct links for critically ill patients to the emergency department
- Replacing the existing ground-level helipad
- Napthine Government building a healthier Victoria
The Napthine Coalition Government will build a new helipad at University Hospital Geelong, providing a direct link for critically ill patients to the emergency department, Minister for Health David Davis announced today.
“A rooftop helipad at Geelong will support smother critical transfers and emergency arrivals, and will help save lives,” Mr Davis said.
“With Geelong a vital centre for emergency health services servicing south-western Victoria, immediate access for medical helicopters will deliver better health outcomes to seriously ill Victorians.”
Mr Davis said the new acute tower block, currently under construction and due for completion next year, was designed to accommodate a helipad some time in the future, but with cranes onsite the Coalition Government has upscaled this project to add a helipad now.
“The Napthine Government will now commence immediate construction and deliver the helipad as part of the current project,” Mr Davis said.
Liberal candidate for Geelong Paula Kontelj said the rooftop helipad will replace the existing ground-level landing area, which is in a remote location to the south of the hospital.
“Landings at that location are currently constrained by surrounding buildings, so this will deliver a huge improvement,” Ms Kontelj said.
Liberal candidate for Bellarine Ron Nelson said direct access to the emergency department would also deliver benefits to patients receiving emergency care by air transport.
“Patients will no longer need to be wheeled through a public corridor, improving patient privacy and dignity,” Mr Nelson said.
Member for South Barown Andrew Katos said the new helipad added to more than $200 million of investment in health infrastructure currently underway or opened nearby in Geelong.
“I am proud to be part of a Coalition Government that is delivering the Geelong region a world-class health system that means people can get the treatment they need closer to home,” Mr Katos said.
The Napthine Government has invested $550 million in a new fleet of state-of-the-art helicopters, which will begin service from January 2016, and have the latest in avionic technology, are faster, bigger and can travel longer distances without refuelling.
Media contact:Ashley Gardiner 0427 560 438