Victorian Heart Hospital patients and employees last week looked to the skies, witnessing the arrival of the first helicopter to land on the hospital’s rooftop helipad.
A significant milestone in the opening of Australia’s first dedicated cardiac hospital, the successful test flight marks another major step toward revolutionising emergency cardiac services for Victorians and improving access to critical care.
The Air Ambulance Victoria chopper flew in from Melbourne’s west mid-morning and completed a series of landings and take-offs as part of the planned testing, with pilots highly complimentary of the structure and built form.
The helipad boasts several unique features that contribute to its advanced functionality. The lighting system, featuring a special circle lighting pattern used on offshore helipads, ensures optimal visibility for pilots during landing, especially at night. It is the first helipad located on mainland Australia to feature this advanced lighting system, and the Ambulance Victoria pilot noted how much easier it was to navigate and land with the advanced lighting system.
Additionally, the helipad was fabricated offsite and installed by crane after the building was constructed. The specially designed drainage facility, with a series of perforated holes across the surface, prevents pooling and ensures efficient water runoff.
The helipad also incorporates special dampening features designed to minimise vibration and noise. This will be of great benefit to patients recovering inside the hospital.
The Victorian Heart Hospital’s state-of-the-art helipad is poised to play a vital role in expediting emergency medical responses and facilitating the safe transport of critically ill patients.
Currently, 40% of air ambulances arriving at Monash Medical Centre contain patients requiring cardiac care.
The helipad is due to be fully operational from today, Monday 29 May, subject to testing approvals, and is expected to facilitate patient arrivals by air three times each week.
During emergencies, every minute counts, and having a helipad onsite ensures that critically-ill patients can receive the necessary care without delay.
Furthermore, the Victorian Heart Hospital’s helipad will position the hospital as a regional hub for critical cardiac care, and underscores Monash Health’s commitment to excellence as a leader in healthcare innovation in the state.
Approved by Louise Kanis, Executive Director, Communication and Engagement