Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services will have 24-hour access to Quirindi's helipads, thanks to new drought funding.
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An investment of $70,000 under the Drought Communities Program will see the two helipads at the Liverpool Plains Emergency Services Precinct upgraded to include an illuminated wind sock, solar-powered emergency lighting, and associated equipment.
The helipads are currently only approved for day use but the new upgrade will mean the pads can be accessed at night by Westpac, the RFS and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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A spokesperson for the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said the upgrade would get under way as soon as possible, with completion expected in the next two to three months.
Liverpool Plains Shire mayor Andrew Hope said the upgrade was "the final piece of the puzzle so we can make sure there’s 24-hour access for Westpac [Rescue Helicopter Service]".
Cr Hope said the location of the helipads was ideal because it was close to Quirindi hospital and could be accessed by all emergency services.
"In this situation, time is very critical so every bit of time we can save is a life we can save," he said.
Cr Hope said the size of the latest fleet of rescue helicopters was factored into the specifications of the helipads because Quirindi hospital's helipad "is not strong enough for it to land".
The hospital's helipad was closed in 2017 following an independent safety audit completed by Hunter New England Health (HNEH).
"In preparation for the new helicopters, Hunter New England Health completed an independent safety audit of helipads within the district to ensure a safe environment for patient transfers by helicopter," Rural and Regional Health Services' Susan Heyman said.
"Due to safety concerns Quirindi hospital helipad was closed. As an alternative, patients who require transfer via air to a larger hospital for specialised care are taken via road ambulance to Quirindi Rugby Club, where they are met by the helicopter.
"We have been using this arrangement for close to two years and during the time, there have been no negative impact on patients."
Ms Heyman said there was an average of three retrievals per year from Quirindi hospital and there were "currently no plans to upgrade the Quirindi hospital helipad".
The NVI contacted Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services who declined to comment.
