Emergency helicopters still unable to land at two SA regional hospitals

The helipads at the regional hospitals in Murray Bridge and Victor Harbor remain unable to be used for medical retrievals. MedSTAR staff are using nearby ovals as landing sites and local ambulances as transport to and from the hospitals. What's next? The health minister says the Murray Bridge helipad will reopen "soon" but that the Victor Harbor situation is "complex". Emergency helicopters remain unable to use the helipad at the regional hospitals in Victor Harbor and Murray Bridge. South Australian Health Minister Blair Boyer said the issues at Murray Bridge were close to being resolved, but the situation at Victor Harbor was "complex" and would need a long-term solution. The sites are the final two to reopen after 13 regional helipads were temporarily closed in 2024 because they did not meet new Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines. The helipads cannot be used until certified as safe by Babcock, the current operators of the MedSTAR helicopter service. Issues remain around the required downwash exclusion zone and the proximity of houses at Murray Bridge, and a community-run childcare centre at Victor Harbor. The centre has a peppercorn lease in place with SA Health until 2030. Mr Boyer told state parliament last month there had been discussions with residents of Murray Bridge who "might be in a home that is in the downwash area" and that he "hoped to have positive news soon". However, he said reinstating the Southern Fleurieu Health Service's helipad at Victor Harbor would take "longer-term planning". Independent member for Finniss Lou Nicholson said it was her understanding the minister was trying to find a solution ahead of the lease expiry date. From her conversations with government, she said she understood that it was not the government's intention to wait until the lease expired. "If indeed the path ahead is finding a new location for the childcare centre, that work does need to be underway now," she said. One Nation member for Hammond Robert Roylance raised the Murray Bridge helipad in parliament last month. While happy with indications it was closer to opening, he said his electorate wanted a clearer response. "Can we expect it in three months, six months? Soon is good, but what is soon?" he said. Mr Roylance said a 66-metre space was required around the helicopter landing site and he understood several houses were within that area. In a statement provided to the ABC, Mr Boyer said $23.4 million had been invested to upgrade regional helipads across the state to meet updated CASA requirements, and work continued to bring the two remaining sites back into operation. "Medical retrieval services remain available for the community and surrounding areas by utilising alternative sites nearby. "Patient, staff and community safety remain the priority." ABC South East SA — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Friday [Image text:] MAC MACrescue