NSW government reveals new ambulance helicopter bases

“Across the state, NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams complete more than 4,400 helicopter missions each year,” the government said in a press release.

“The expanded network will strengthen NSW’s emergency response to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters, while improving equitable access to emergency healthcare for rural, regional and remote communities.”

Each new base will include a dedicated hangar and maintenance facilities for helicopters; workspaces for operations and mission planning; staff amenities and training facilities; and fuel, logistics, and supporting infrastructure alongside a dedicated road retrieval ambulance.

According to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park, NSW Ambulance helicopters will be able to reach “most NSW towns” within 60 minutes once the expanded network is fully operational.

“The new helicopter bases being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will strengthen aeromedical infrastructure for communities across regional and rural NSW.

“The expanded network will help NSW Ambulance helicopters and world class paramedics and doctors provide faster access to lifesaving emergency and specialist care for regional communities.

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“We are delivering the essential health infrastructure needed to deliver better, faster care for people across NSW. This includes more hospitals, more beds, more ambulance stations and helicopter bases, and the staff to run them.”

Dr Sarah Coombes, executive director aeromedical and special operations, NSW Ambulance, has welcomed the news as good for regional health.

“Our aeromedical teams provide emergency retrieval and critical care across some of the most challenging environments in NSW,” she said.

“These bases will enhance the facilities and infrastructure our teams need to continue delivering high-quality critical care across rural and regional communities.”

Construction is set to begin on bases in Moruya and Wagga Wagga next year, and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said the Moruya base will “strengthen access to lifesaving emergency care for our regional communities”.

“The base will support the work of South East Regional Hospital and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, expected to open early next year, by strengthening connections between local hospitals, ambulance services and specialist care across our coastal network of health services.

“Living in a regional area should never mean being disadvantaged when it comes to emergency healthcare. A stronger aeromedical network will help NSW Ambulance teams respond to critical incidents, retrieve patients and connect them with the care they need, when they need it.

“Releasing these designs is an important milestone in delivering the infrastructure our region needs, supporting our dedicated paramedics and aeromedical teams and improving access to emergency and specialist care for communities across the Far South Coast.”

Plans for the Port Macquarie base are progressing, with all three to be located at regional airports.