Clare Helipad Back In Action After More Than a Year Of Delays
After a long wait, the Clare Helipad is finally operational, bringing medical retrievals back to Clare Hospital.
It’s been sitting there looking ready for quite some time, but now Clare Hospital’s upgraded helipad has finally received the official green light.
From today, rescue helicopters and SAAS MedSTAR will once again be able to land directly at the hospital to transfer patients needing urgent treatment in Adelaide.
And for Clare locals, the announcement has been a long time coming.
Why Has The Clare Helipad Taken So Long?
Clare was one of 13 regional hospital helipads included in a $23.4 million State Government upgrade program, launched in 2024 to bring the sites in line with new aviation safety requirements.
But while the physical work at Clare had been completed, getting helicopters back on the pad was another story.
The issue centred around new safety requirements and concerns about rotor downwash, the intense wind created by helicopters during take-off and landing, and its potential impact on people and nearby properties.
At the time, Clare, Loxton, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Port Pirie and Victor Harbor had all undergone major construction work but remained closed.
While Clare waited for approval, patients requiring air retrieval continued to be transported through Clare Aerodrome instead.
That will no longer be necessary, with medical retrievals now returning directly to Clare Hospital.
Back To The Clare Hospital Doorstep
Clare Hospital averages around 35 air retrievals each year, making direct access to the hospital an important part of emergency care across the region.
The upgraded Clare Helipad has a larger landing area, along with new lighting, beacons and navigation systems, allowing helicopters to use the site during the day and at night.
Clare is the 11th helipad delivered under the State Government’s 13-site program.
Health Minister Blair Boyer said he was pleased to see the long-awaited facility operational.
“I’m pleased that Clare’s new helipad is now operational and able to provide state of the art medical retrievals for residents needing extra care.”
“Rescue helicopters and MedSTAR are essential services allowing South Australians access to the highest quality care, no matter where they live.”
For a piece of infrastructure designed to get people where they need to go quickly, the Clare Helipad certainly took its time getting there.
Better late than never!
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