A new cyclone-rated helipad is set to be constructed at Cairns Hospital, strengthening access to life-saving care for Far North Queensland.
The new rooftop helipad will be located on top of D Block, with a dedicated lift providing direct links to the emergency department or, if required, critical care areas on level 1.
Designed to withstand severe weather, it will support safer aeromedical transfers before and after cyclones.
The new location will also improve patient privacy and reduce safety risks for the community enjoying the Esplanade.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said the new helipad increased the hospital’s resilience, significantly, in the event of severe weather.
‘In the event of any catastrophic weather, the lift core itself will not be compromised, and we are still able to continue to transfer our patients to and from that helipad,’ Ms Singh said.
She said the current Esplanade helipad posed privacy and efficiency issues for patients.
‘The new rooftop location will streamline transfers, reduce security demands, and eliminate public exposure to helicopter operations,’ she said.
The new helipad is expected to be operational by mid-2027, with detailed planning underway.
Once the new helipad is operational, the existing Esplanade helipad area will be returned to public use.