Media release – 10 February 2023
New contemporary helipad locked in for Launceston
A new location for the Launceston General Hospital helicopter landing site has been identified by the Tasmanian Government and is expected to be in operation by the end of 2023.
The new helipad will be on the roof of the Cleveland Street multi-storey car park.
Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, said that the new location meets all the necessary requirements for an upgraded, contemporary helipad in line with Stage 2 of the LGH Masterplan.
“The LGH helipad is a critical resource for the pre-hospital care and emergency transportation of Tasmanians, and we have found a safe and efficient long-term solution,” the Premier said.
“The new rooftop location will allow for the construction of a new state-of-the-art, contemporary helipad that provides efficient patient transfer to the Emergency Department, ICU and theatres.”
The Department of Health will now work with Ambulance Tasmania, LGH clinical staff and the helicopter operator Rotor-lift to progress the design, regulatory and planning approvals needed to deliver the new helipad.
Subject to the necessary approvals, and construction lead times, the aim is to have the new helipad operational by the end of the calendar year.
Premier Rockliff said the community should be reassured that emergency aero-medical transport is still available for those who need it.
“I want to be clear that Tasmanians who require urgent health care via aeromedical helicopter transport are absolutely still receiving that care,” the Premier said.
Hospitals North Chief Executive Jen Duncan said the new helipad location provided a long-term solution that would ensure patients get the best clinical outcomes.
“The new helipad location will provide a sustainable long-term solution for the LGH and the northern Tasmanian community,” said Ms Duncan.
“It will ensure patients who require aero-medical transportation to and from the LGH will get to the right clinical area for their needs safely and efficiently.”
Ambulance Tasmania will continue to use the Launceston Airport as the landing site whilst the new helipad is constructed.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to providing safe and timely emergency aero-medical transport services, to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
