Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson today unveiled Royal Perth Hospital's (RPH) new 788 square metre $10 million heliport.
The new heliport will allow the next-generation Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (ERHS) to access RPH - ensuring sick and injured patients get to the hospital quicker from even further locations throughout the vast regions of Western Australia.
The upgrade was also required to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations and accommodate future aircraft which may be engaged in emergency situations.
The new heliport is designed to support the static and dynamic loads generated by helicopters upon take-off and landing, with a maximum static safe working limit of up to 12 tonnes.
As home to the State Major Trauma Centre and State Spinal Service, RPH typically receives the majority of the State's trauma patients.
RPH, part of the East Metropolitan Health Service, receives up to 309 ERHS helicopter patients per year - from as far as Albany in the South to Dongara in the North.
The McGowan Government yesterday announced $26.7 million for an upgrade of the ERHS that will deliver three next-generation aircraft with increased range and enhanced technology through provider CHC Helicopters.
The new fleet will be online and ready to assist WA communities from late 2023.
The new heliport will also have the capability to land other aircraft, including Blackhawk and Seahawk helicopters, if required, in State emergencies.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Trauma doctors talk about the golden hour - 60 minutes from injury to treatment - which makes a big difference for patient outcomes.
"This new heliport and its ability to take the new rescue helicopters is a real game changer in terms of being able to get patients to hospital quicker.
"About 30 per cent of WA's road trauma comes from country areas so every minute makes a big difference.
"Royal Perth Hospital receives up to 302 ERHS helicopter patients per year and the majority of these are trauma patients so this new heliport will play a key role in the hospital's emergency response."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service is the primary user of the Royal Perth Hospital Heliport - more than 73 per cent of patients are flown by the service to the State's only trauma centre at RPH.
"Yesterday, the McGowan Government announced a major investment to deliver significant upgrades to the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service and this new Heliport complements that initiative by providing safer operations into the future.
"The new RPH Heliport now offers critical emergency services access into the Perth CBD to allow a rapid response to emergency situations."
