It’s hoped the layout of the new hospital will speed up medical response times.
A rooftop helipad is part of the design to enable quicker patient transfers and support the needs of the growing region.
Peter Heath from Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service says every minute counts during an emergency.
“The rooftop helipad will have direct access to the emergency department, operating suite, intensive care unit and medical imaging department via dedicated elevators,” he says.
“These elevators, known as ‘hot lifts’, are much larger than a typical hospital lift, sized to accommodate the complex needs of critically unwell patients, including the multiple staff performing critical care.
“We engaged with local LifeFlight personnel several years ago when we were making our case for the new hospital, who were strong advocates of a rooftop helipad.
“I’m pleased our new hospital has been designed to include this important key feature.”
Clinical lead at LifeFlight Dr Chris McMullen is welcoming the inclusion.
“For safety reasons, we’re currently unable to land our heavier AW139 aircrafts at the hospital helipad on Bourbong Street,” Dr McMullen says.
“Once the new hospital is built, our crews will be able to transfer and retrieve directly from the rooftop, providing better safety outcomes for patients, medical staff and our crews.
“It will also provide patients with greater privacy, free up paramedics to provide care to other patients and improve overall operations for our LifeFlight crews – it’s a win-win for everyone.”
