This week in the Victorian State Parliament Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell MP called for the Minister for Ambulance Services to explain to the Portland community why Ambulance Victoria helicopters no longer land at the Portland Hospital’s helipad.
“Instead of landing on the helipad right in front of the Hospital, Ambulance Victoria’s helicopters are now landing either at the Portland Airport, some 14 km from the Hospital or on the oval at Hanlon Park, well over 1 km from the Hospital” Ms Britnell said.
“We all know that when an Ambulance Victoria helicopter is involved, the stakes are quite high. Travel times can impact on outcomes, people can, and will die, from delays” Ms Britnell stated.
“I have received numerous complaints from Portland residents who are worried about the impact this will have on emergency services in the Portland region. It is crucial that the Minister for Ambulance Services provides a clear explanation to the Portland community why this decision was made and what steps are being taken recommence use of the Portland Hospital helipad” Ms Britnell said.
