Emergency helicopters still unable to land at two SA regional hospitals
Medical retrieval helicopters remain unable to land at two regional South Australian hospitals, with the health minister unable to provide a date for the reopening of their helipads.
Emergency helicopters are currently unable to land at two regional hospitals in South Australia - Murray Bridge and Victor Harbor. MedSTAR staff are using nearby ovals as landing sites and local ambulances to transport patients to and from the hospitals. Health Minister Blair Boyer stated that the Murray Bridge helipad is expected to reopen soon, but the situation at Victor Harbor is more complex and requires a long-term solution.
The Victor Harbor site poses challenges such as the downwash exclusion zone and proximity to a community-run childcare centre, which has a lease until 2030. Boyer hopes to provide positive news soon regarding the reopening of the Victor Harbor helipad, but acknowledges that it may take longer. Independent member for Finniss Lou Nicholson suggested that the government aims to find a solution before the lease expires.
One Nation member for Hammond Robert Roylance expressed concern over the timeline for the Murray Bridge helipad's reopening, asking for a clearer response and a more specific timeframe. Currently, medical retrieval services are available through alternative sites, prioritizing patient, staff, and community safety.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
