PDH Helipad

A review of the Portland District Health (PDH) helipad in late 2022, first opened in 2014, found that improvements were required in line with current Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines.

 To ensure the safety of patients, staff and the broader community, Air Ambulance operations into the site have been paused. Interim patient transport arrangements have been in place since early December, with an average of two emergency flights leaving from Portland Airport each week to facilitate any required patient transport.

 PDH is working with Ambulance Victoria and Glenelg Shire Council to locate an alternative helipad site close to the hospital.

 PDH will continue to work collaboratively with the relevant state bodies to resolve this issue and hope to have a positive outcome in the coming months.

Samantha Sharp, Portland District Health Chief Executive Officer said “The use of the Portland District Health (PDH) helipad is currently paused following a review.

 This bears no impact to the provision and quality of patient care for the Portland community with interim patient transport arrangements in place since early December.

 PDH is working collaboratively with the relevant authorities to find a solution to this issue and get the helipad up and running again.”