The Launceston General Hospital (LGH) in Australia has completed the construction of a new A$16m ($10.5m) helipad, which is poised to take its inaugural flight in the coming days.

This facility is situated atop the Cleveland Street multi-storey car park and is connected to the main hospital building via an aerobridge.

The helipad is expected to improve Tasmania's aeromedical response capabilities by facilitating the swift transport of patients to LGH for urgent medical care.

Tasmania's health minister Jacquie Petrusma said: “The new helipad is a significant investment and has supported hundreds of local jobs through construction. It will ensure patients in need of critical and life-saving medical intervention can be transported safely and efficiently to and from the LGH.

“We know every second counts in a medical emergency, so being able to fly directly to and from our major Northern hospital will further support our fantastic health workforce and our aeromedical contractor, Rotor Lift in delivering better care for patients.”

The helipad incorporates the latest Deck Integrated Fire Fighting System (DIFFS) technology, ensuring a rapid and effective response in the unlikely event of a fire.

The DIFFS is equipped with multiple nozzles that are installed flush with the deck surface and can automatically extend to spray water in case of a fire, containing any incidents swiftly.

The construction of the helipad is part of the state government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future and represents a significant investment in the region's healthcare infrastructure.

The project has also contributed to the local economy by supporting hundreds of jobs during its construction phase.

Vos Construction was responsible for the building work, while Haywards Steel Fabrication played a key role in assembling the nine sections of the helideck.

The project also saw contributions from several other local contractors, underlining the community's involvement in enhancing the hospital's emergency response services.