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Emergency helicopters are no longer landing on Innisfail Hospital’s helipad, after an 82 year-old woman was injured as a chopper took off last month.
The woman was walking along an adjacent street and fell after being caught in the updraft.
She required hospital treatment.
An investigation into the incident is being carried out by the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s (CHHHS) Workplace Health and Safety team.
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In the meantime, helicopters are being diverted to Mundoo Aerodrome, six kilometres south-west of the hospital.
“An 82-year-old woman was injured in the incident,” a CHHHS spokesperson confirmed.
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“Our team is working closely with Queensland Government Air (QGAir) and Retrieval Services Queensland to identify whether safety upgrades to the helipad are needed.
“Pending the outcome of the investigation – which is due to be finalised shortly - helicopters will continue to land at Mundoo Aerodrome.”
The Queensland Ambulance Service is transferring patients between Innisfail Hospital and Mundoo.
The health service said this is not the first time the patient rescue helicopter has been temporarily relocated.
It was shifted to Mundoo Aerodrome between August and November last year while construction work was carried out at Innisfail Hospital.
Main points
- A woman was blown over as a helicopter took off from Innisfail Hospital's helipad on July 13
- Rescue helicopters are now landing and taking off at Mundoo Aerodrome
- An investigation is seeking to identify whether safety upgrades to the hospital helipad are needed
