After successful testing and commissioning, the helipad on top of John Hunter Hospital’s new acute services building has been given the green light.

The New Lambton Heights facility is part of the $835 million Health and Innovation Precinct currently under construction.

And, the latest development marks a key milestone, according to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park.

“We’re one step closer to delivering expanded access to care to communities in the Hunter and northern NSW,” he said.

“The helipad is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will ensure critically-ill patients have fast access to lifesaving treatment.

“So, the recent testing will guarantee it’s fully-integrated with hospital operations.”

Day and night landings have been completed at the helipad, paving the way for it to become operational when the seven-storey acute services building opens its doors to patients later this year.

It features two landing pads and a dedicated lift that will provide a direct connection to critical care services, including the emergency department and intensive care.

About 50 tonnes and more than 50 truckloads of concrete were used during construction.

“The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is a huge investment in our growing region,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“More people are calling the Hunter home.

“So, it’s important that we have access to world-class, accessible healthcare… and that’s exactly what the Minns government is delivering.

“The new helipad will play a critical role in saving lives and ensuring patients can receive urgent and timely care when every second counts.”

Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) staff specialist emergency and retrieval medicine Sam Vidler hailed the announcement.

“For one of the busiest hospitals in the state, this dual helipad has been designed and constructed to the highest standards, bringing incredible value to the community members it will serve,” he said.

NSW Ambulance interim chief executive Clare Beech echoed that sentiment.

“As the primary users of the hospital landing sites, we’ve been closely involved in the consultation for the rooftop helipad at John Hunter Hospital,” she said.

“Having two at the region’s major trauma centre is incredibly valuable.

“It strengthens our ability to bring critically-unwell or injured patients directly into the hospital as quickly and safely as possible.”

The state-of-the-art acute services building will deliver:

• A new emergency department to meet a projected future demand of more than 95,000 presentations each year
• 22 operating theatres and nine interventional suites to respond to significantly increasing demand for surgical services
• Birthing suites, inpatient maternity, neonatal intensive care, and special care units
• Rooftop helipad for two helicopters 
• More than 900 additional car parking spaces on the precinct for patients, staff and visitors

It will also offer increased capacity, including 60% more intensive care unit capacity and almost 50% more operating theatres.

Work is progressing on the interior fit-out and landscaping, with final construction for the building expected to be completed in mid-2026.

This will be followed by an operational commissioning period to ensure it and staff are ready to welcome patients.

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