Conflict in the Middle East has delayed the arrival of a lift for the Launceston General Hospital’s new $15 million helipad, Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett confirmed today.
The Minister said the helipad was due to be completed mid-2024, but due to instability associated with global shipping routes will now not be completed until September.
“The Tasmanian Government thanks all those involved in getting the project to where it is today, however, even their professionalism couldn’t foresee the impact of these world events,” Minister Barnett said.
“The conflict-related delays in the Red Sea have impacted the manufacturer’s shipping schedule, and due to the fact the lift has been exactly manufactured to the helipad’s specifications, we have no alternative but to wait for its arrival.
“Work will continue on the helipad and the lift will be installed as soon as it arrives at the LGH site.
“We will continue to keep the community informed with developments to this important project as they occur.”
The new helipad will include an aerobridge and lift to take patients directly into the care of hospital staff.
