The rescue team from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service have completed a successful landing and takeoff on the rooftop helipad at the new Tweed Valley Hospital due to open early next year.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is part of the operational commissioning activities being undertaken at the new facility.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said helipad testing is an important step in preparing to ensure the most critically ill patients can receive the best urgent care in a timely manner.
‘This will be a valuable service for patients who are critically ill or in need of specialist care,’ said Mr Park.
‘The helipad at the new hospital has a dedicated elevator which will provide direct access from the rooftop to the Emergency Department and operating theatres to ensure patient transfers can take place safely and efficiently.
‘When I visited the site in July I was lucky enough to see firsthand everything coming together on site and I am really impressed with the progress on what will be a state of the art facility for the Tweed Valley community.’
The new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital will be a regional referral hospital and forms part of the Northern NSW Local Health District’s network of hospitals and health facilities, including Murwillumbah, Byron and Ballina hospitals.
For more information and updates on the Tweed Valley Hospital, please visit the project website at: www.tweedvalleyhospital.nsw.gov.au.
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