Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has welcomed the return of aeromedical transfers following the completion of refurbishment works and successful test landings.
Mackay HHS chief executive Sean Birgan said the recommencement of helicopter transfers directly to the hospital is an important milestone for patients and clinical teams across the region.
“The Mackay Base Hospital helipad is a significant piece of health infrastructure that supports a population of more than 190,000 people across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions,”
“As the main referral hospital for these regions, we receive trauma, seriously unwell and emergency patients. The ability to land aeromedical retrievals directly at the hospital again means patients in need of advanced or time-critical care will be transferred more efficiently.
“Throughout the project, we worked closely with retrieval and emergency service experts to ensure the helipad meets the operational requirements needed to safely support helicopter operations and patient transfers.”
The refurbished helipad features upgraded systems and infrastructure, including technology, lighting and boom gates which are activated as helicopters approach and depart.
Refurbishment works began in April and were carried out by Vassallo Constructions, in conjunction with the hospital’s fleet car park project, which created a dedicated temporary car park for more than 80 Queensland Health fleet vehicles.
“Creating the fleet car park is a practical step toward easing current parking challenges at Mackay Base Hospital,” Mr Birgan said.
“It is the first phase in a staged plan to increase parking capacity by more than 1,000 spaces as part of the Mackay Base Hospital’s 15-year master plan.
“By moving fleet vehicles to a dedicated car park, we are freeing up valuable parking across the campus for patients, staff, and visitors.
“The second phase will further increase parking capacity to deliver 350 staff car parks on land in nearby Sarah Street in 2027, while the third stage includes a new multi-storey car park with more than 650 car parks, predominately for staff.”
The existing helipad was decommissioned in early 2024 due to hospital expansion early works. During this time, helicopters were landed at Mackay Airport and patients transferred were to the hospital by the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Aeromedical retrievals will resume at Mackay Base Hospital this week.