It is anticipated the new chopper pad will be fully functional in time for the opening of the new emergency department, due to be opened by April next year. 

The helipad will be built close to the new emergency department and will be fitted out with a lift shaft to lower patients and transport them urgently for treatment. 

Dr Chris Trethewy works as part of the retrieval team for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and said the new pad would open up a two-way flight corridor and would be higher above the city of Tamworth. 

He said there were limitations to the current pad that made it difficult to land if wind conditions were poor.