Mackay Base Hospital Helipad

The Mackay Base Hospital Helipad (YMHP) primarily serves as a facility for urgent medical transfers rather than typical traveler operations. Recent experiences are heavily influenced by the ongoing Mackay Base Hospital expansion project, which has led to a temporary relocation of helipad services and significant community discussion around patient transfer efficiency. Overall sentiment centers on the critical importance of timely patient transfers and the impact of the temporary arrangements.

What Travelers (Patients/Medical Staff) Love:

• Future Onsite Helipad: A new, permanent helipad is planned for the roof of a multi-story car park at Mackay Base Hospital, expected to significantly improve patient transfers by allowing quicker access to critical care. This future development is viewed positively for its potential to reduce transfer times.
• Enhanced Safety Measures (Pre-relocation): Prior to the temporary relocation, the helipad reopened in late 2023 after implementing new national guidelines requiring a 50-meter exclusion zone during operations, ensuring the safety of patients and personnel by preventing objects from being blown away by helicopter downwash.
• Dedicated Ambulance Transfer (During Relocation): During the temporary relocation to Mackay Airport, a dedicated ambulance vehicle is positioned at the helicopter base to facilitate immediate transfer of incoming patients to the hospital, aiming to maintain efficient and secure patient care. Medical crews provide one-to-one support to patients during these transfers.