Ballarat residents will have better access to air ambulance services under a re-elected Brumby Labor Government, with Health Minister Daniel Andrews today announcing plans to provide $10 million to establish a helipad on top of a new carpark at Ballarat Base Hospital.

“Each week, 1000 more Victorians turn 65, that’s why the Brumby Labor Government has hired nearly 11,000 more nurses and is rebuilding and modernising more than 100 hospitals across the State,” Mr Andrews said

“The Brumby Labor Government has always worked closely with Ballarat Health to ensure they have the facilities they need to provide the best care for families. The review process was extensive and also involved consultation with senior staff at Ballarat Health Services, the nearby private hospital, community representatives, local residents and the local council.

“The review identified that local patients experiencing multiple trauma were taken to the Ballarat Base Hospital and stabilised before being transferred to one of the major trauma centres. The review determined that with the introduction of additional services at Ballarat Hospital that there is the potential for an increase in the need and frequency for patient transfers.

“We have reviewed the findings carefully and have determined that if we are re-elected we will invest $10 million to build a helipad on top of a new multi-deck carpark.

“The new helipad and multi-deck carpark will replace the existing carpark and will be close to the emergency department at Ballarat Base Hospital. The helipad will mean quicker transfers by air ambulance helicopter to medical services in Melbourne.”

The announcement follows a government-commissioned study by Ambulance Victoria, supported by the Department of Health, to review existing air ambulance arrangements and consider the need for alternative options to transfer patients, including exploring the feasibility of locating a helipad at the hospital.

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment followed extensive work and consultation – something Ted Baillieu and his party seemed to know little about.

“We have done the hard work to determine what the best option for Ballarat residents was, unlike Mr Baillieu who has plucked a figure from thin air for another promise that he refuses to submit to the independent Victorian Treasury for costing, just like Tony Abbott,” he said.

“Ted Baillieu hasn’t revealed where his promised helipad will be based or what it will look like. What he now needs to do is apologise to Ballarat residents for his cruel hoax and hollow promise when it’s obvious his funding falls well short of what is needed.”

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government had more than doubled the number of air ambulance resources across the State.

“We have introduced new helicopters based in Bendigo, Warrnambool and a new 24/7 dedicated retrieval helicopter to transfer critically ill babies, children and adults from the regions to specialist care in Melbourne,” he said.