Media Release

Sky’s the limit with new helipad

12 October 2004

A new helipad at The Royal Melbourne Hospital will help save lives, allowing rapid transfers by air ambulance helicopters for patients in a critical condition.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike, who officially opened the rooftop helipad today, said it would enhance the hospital’s critical care services.

"Every minute can be vital with critically injured patients, and the new helipad will greatly increase the capability of The Royal Melbourne Hospital in treating them," Ms Pike said.

Previously, helicopter ambulances bringing patients to the Royal Melbourne had to land at the nearby Gatehouse helipad and patients were then transferred by road.

The Royal Melbourne is a designated major trauma service for Victoria, alongside The Alfred and Royal Children's Hospital.

Emergency Services Director, Assoc Prof Marcus Kennedy, said the helipad will be used mostly to receive trauma patients, however about 20 per cent will be non-trauma – critically ill patients needing urgent treatment, particularly cardiac, intensive care and neurosciences cases.

"The helipad operations are running smoothly, and in the first two weeks we received eight patients. We anticipate receiving approximately one third of Melbourne's aeromedical helicopter transfers (up to 300 cases per year),” Assoc Prof Kennedy said.

The State Government contributed $32 million to the hospital’s Stage 3 redevelopment, including construction of the helipad, two new trauma resuscitation bays in the emergency department, new wards and an endoscopy and day procedure unit.

Ms Pike said accidents and other trauma were the biggest killer of people under 40, accounting for half of all child deaths and 75 per cent of all deaths involving teens and young adults.

"With helicopter ambulances able to land on the roof of the hospital’s South Block, about 40 metres above street level, patients can be in the hands and the best care of specialists virtually immediately," Ms Pike said.

"If The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s helipad helps it to achieve better results and better recovery for patients, the whole community will benefit."

Ms Pike said the State Government has earmarked a further $9.2 million for redevelopment at RMH, for a 60-bed ward on the new 5 South area and a refurbished pharmacy.

Media contact: Petrina Dakin - 0439 031 894.