Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Jill Hennessy, today officially opened the Ballarat Base Hospital’s new rooftop helipad for critical air ambulance emergency transfers.
The helipad, which will be operational from 7am on Monday 22 June, will help meet increasing demand for air ambulance transfers in Ballarat and across Western Victoria.
The helipad was built on top of the new three storey car park at Ballarat Base Hospital, and provides patients facing critical medical emergencies with a fast and direct route to the hospital’s emergency department.
It will also enable critically ill patients in the region to be transported to Ballarat Base Hospital or to major trauma hospitals in Melbourne much faster.
It’s estimated it will save approximately one hour, compared to transporting a patient by road ambulance.
The helipad was built by a local Ballarat construction company, and features a 25-metre diameter concrete landing surface, as well as a further 1.5 metre safety net to meet international standards.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing in hospitals across Victoria, with an additional $2.1 billion to be provided to health services, ambulances, and health and mental health programs over the next four years.
This massive funding boost includes $200 million for a Hospital Beds Rescue Fund to open new beds and points of care at hospitals across the state, including at Ballarat Base Hospital which will open new short stay medical beds and treat an additional 689 patients every year.
The Government has also provided $10 million to build a second cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Ballarat Base Hospital, giving patients across western Victoria better access to state-of-the-art cardiac surgery and care, closer to home.
In addition, the 2015-16 Victorian Budget provides $20 million to upgrade and modernise ambulance stations across the state, including funding to build a brand new ambulance branch in Wendouree.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Jill Hennessy
“In a life threatening emergency every second counts, and this new helipad means critically ill patients can receive the care they need sooner, whether that’s in Ballarat or at a major trauma centre in Melbourne.”
“From building new hospitals to expanding services and programs, the Government is investing in the health of all Victorians, including right here in Ballarat.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight
“It’s very exciting that this helipad is finally finished and critically ill patients will be able to get the care they need more quickly.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
“This new helipad will ensure critical patients in the region have the quickest possible access to life-saving care.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020