Southern Downs Regional Council says emergency helicopter flights to the Warwick Hospital will be temporarily redirected to nearby Australiana Park next week while the hospital undergoes drought-proofing upgrades.
A council spokeswoman said from next Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May “nearby residents and businesses may notice increased activity between the park and the hospital and night lighting for the temporary landing site”.
“Council will be working closely with both the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and the hospital to ensure smooth and safe arrangements during this interim period,” the spokeswoman said.
“QAS will assist the temporary operation by shuttling flight crews and patients between the two locations.
“Spotlights will illuminate the site at night only.
“The upgrades at the hospital will improve the facility’s resilience during drought with the construction of an 18m x 12m mini water treatment plant.”
Warwick Hospital Director of Nursing/Facility Manager Anita Bolton said with the Southern Downs region “continuing to experience drought conditions, Darling Downs Health has been working towards improving water usage and supply at Warwick Hospital”.
“We have been reviewing our practices and implementing water conservation measures, resulting in our water usage decreasing by more than 40 per cent in the past year,” Anita said.
“We are now continuing with our efforts by installing a water treatment plant and an on-site emergency water supply ready for immediate use if needed.
“Helicopter flights to and from the Warwick Hospital will be temporarily redirected to Australiana Park while works are under way.
“No other hospital services are expected to be impacted during this time.”
