21 November 2005

Minister officially opens stage 1 Blue Mountains Hospital

NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos today officially opened Stage 1 the Blue Mountains Hospital redevelopment, which includes the women's and children's health services and the helipad.

The Minister was joined by the Member for Blue Mountains Bob Debus for a tour of the new services, part of the NSW Government's $12.19m two stage redevelopment of the hospital.

"These new facilities have improved women's and children's health services and the helipad has brought a more efficient medical transfer system for patients needing emergency and specialist care to the people of the Blue Mountains," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"The new Maternity Unit commenced operation earlier this year and the helipad has already played a part transporting more than 22 patients to specialist care at Nepean and Westmead hospitals," he said.

"The Maternity Unit has two birthing suites, eight single rooms with ensuites and a patient lounge room. The unit also caters for patient clinics, offices and staff education and is fully air-conditioned.

"The Children's Ward has also been upgraded and now adjoins the Maternity Unit, providing better integration of Women's and Children's Health services at Blue Mountains Hospital.

"The new on-site helipad means patients no longer have to be taken by ambulance to a nearby playing field to be picked up resulting in quicker response times for medical retrieval crews to get to critically ill patients and reducing the demand on ambulance services.

"The purpose built helipad provides safer landing conditions for the helicopter and crew, patients and staff. It is raised seven metres above ground level to enable clearance from nearby trees and buildings and a level walkway to the hospital.

"It is supported by four columns of steel and concrete construction and is surrounded by a 1.5 metre safety net with the main flight path over the adjoining valley, to minimise noise impact on patients and neighbours."

"We expect around 60 critically-ill patients to be transferred by helicopter to more specialised services every year," Mr Hatzistergos said.

Attorney-General and Member for the Blue Mountains Bob Debus said the completion of stage one redevelopment meant Blue Mountains Hospital would continue to provide superior patient care and improved access for the local community to specialised medical services.

"Stage two includes construction of a new dental clinic, 11 bed swing ward and mental health unit, all of which are expected to become operational next year," Mr Debus said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au