The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is focused on continuing to deliver our plan to build a better health system for all Tasmanians backed by a record investment.
Key to the plan is the K-Block helipad commissioning, which is well underway with verification testing of the helipad taking place today.
The test ‘touchdowns’ and landings conducted by the Westpac rescue helicopter are a sign of things to come.
The K-Block helipad will deliver critically injured and unwell patients directly to the hospital so they can receive treatment sooner.
The helipad at the RHH will supercharge our aeromedical capacity as part of our $125 million package to boost ambulance services and support our hardworking paramedics.
For the first time ever, Tasmania will have a helipad network connecting all four major hospitals - following the construction of new helipads at the Mersey, North West Regional and Royal Hobart Hospitals - and an integrated aeromedical service with dedicated specialist emergency doctors and flight paramedics.
Helicopters are one of the fastest ways to move patients between facilities, and our investment into this service is saving crucial minutes – an estimated 40 minutes on average, which is saving lives.
The new helipad will be an integral part of the new K-Block delivering much needed integrated aeromedical services for Tasmania. K-Block will be commissioned next year, with practical completion imminent.