Media release – Shane Gregory – Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure, Department of Health, 5 January 2023
Launceston General Hospital Helipad
Commencing 1 January 2023, the Helicopter Landing Site (Helipads) used for aero-medical services to and from the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) has been temporarily relocated as a result of updated Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
During this time, Launceston Airport will be utilised as the helicopter landing site as it is equipped with a Critical Care and Retrieval Fixed-Wing Base that can fully support the helicopter and be utilised as an effective alternative. Importantly there is a freeway corridor which covers most of the route between the Airport and the LGH providing fast and efficient transfer.
Ambulance Tasmania is assessing the viability of an alternate landing site close to LGH and will continue to consult and receive advice on temporary locations for the Helipad in the short and long term.
I want to reassure the community the helicopter service will still be available for patients from across Tasmanian communities who require urgent aero-medical transport to Launceston, or transfer to Royal Hobart Hospital, for definitive care, as efficiently as possible.
The new CASA rules impose tighter requirements on helipads that are used for medical transport operations, and the current LGH Helipad does not comply with these requirements due to its size, location and lighting.
A review of helipad operations and planning to upgrade the helipad is included in Stage 2 of the LGH Masterplan.
Initial planning is underway, and the Department of Health (DoH) is investigating options for potential locations for an upgraded helicopter landing site at the LGH. The DoH will work closely with Ambulance Tasmania and LGH clinical staff to design and deliver upgraded helipad landing site in line with the Masterplan.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring the continuity of emergency retrieval services for the LGH.
The LGH Helipad is a critical resource for the pre-hospital care and emergency transportation of Tasmanians and is used around 29-30 times per year.
Ambulance Tasmania will continue prioritising the LGH HLS to ensure Launceston has a safe and efficient helipad to provide patients with the right care at the right place at the right time.
