- Published:
- Friday, 2 September 2016
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Jill Hennessy, today officially opened University Hospital Geelong’s new $11.5 million rooftop helipad for time-critical emergency air ambulance transfers.
The helipad has been relocated from the ground level to the roof of the new Baxter Wing, providing a faster and more direct route to the hospital’s emergency department.
It means patients facing life-threatening medical emergencies will get the emergency care they need even sooner, helping doctors to do what they do best – which is saving lives.
The helipad, part of more than $100 million in upgrades at University Hospital Geelong, will help meet increasing demand for critical transfers and emergency arrivals in Geelong and throughout south-western Victoria.
Along with quicker treatment for emergency arrivals, it will also provide safe and quick access to paediatric, maternity and intensive care wards at the hospital for urgent transfers, and ensure more efficient urgent transfers to major trauma hospitals in Melbourne.
The Andrews Labor Government’s 2016/17 Victorian State Budget delivered an extra $2.45 billion for health, so hospitals can admit more patients, reduce waiting times and keep Victorians healthy.
This includes our new $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to upgrade rural and regional hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access high quality care and facilities, no matter where they live.
The Labor Government is also investing a record $144 million in our ambulance system so paramedics can respond to medical emergencies even quicker.
In 2016/17, Barwon Health will receive $474.38 million in funding from the Labor Government, which is $32.78 million or 7.4 per cent more than the previous financial year.
This will enable the health service to increase emergency and elective services and open new beds in the Baxter Wing at University Hospital Geelong.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“This new helipad will ensure patients receive the emergency care they need as soon as possible, whether that’s at the University Hospital Geelong or at a trauma hospital in Melbourne.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“Critically ill patients landing here will now receive the quickest possible transfers and access to life-saving care.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“From building new hospitals to expanding and improving services, we are putting patients first and delivering record funding for Barwon Health. The new helipad will improve Geelong’s ability to provide emergency care.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“We know every second counts in a life-threatening emergency and this new helipad will help save lives.”