November 2004

Here’s to a speedy recovery

A new helipad at the Royal Melbourne Hospital will ensure Australia’s busiest hospital maintains its role as a leader in major accident and disaster services.

Officially opening the helipad, Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the rapid transfers by air ambulance helicopters would help to save lives.

‘Every minute can be vital with critically-injured patients and the new helipad will greatly increase the capability of the Royal Melbourne Hospital in treating them,’ Ms Pike said.

‘The State Government has contributed $32 million towards the redevelopment of the hospital, which included the construction of the helipad, two new trauma resuscitation bays in the emergency department, new wards and an endoscopy and day procedure unit.’

The Royal Melbourne, the Alfred Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital are Victoria’s three designated major trauma services in Victoria, geared up to provide the highest level of treatment for critically-injured victims of accidents and disasters.

Until this helipad was built, helicopter ambulances had to land at the nearby Gatehouse helipad and patients were transferred to the Royal Melbourne by road.

Ms Pike said accidents and other trauma were the biggest killer of people under 40, accounting for half of all child deaths and 75 per cent of all deaths involving teens and young adults.

‘With helicopter ambulances able to land on the roof of the hospital’s South Block, about 40 metres above street level, patients can be in the hands and the best care of specialists virtually immediately.

‘If the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s helipad helps it to achieve better results and better recovery for patients, the whole community will benefit.’