A man suffering from multiple medical conditions was flown to hospital yesterday.

The Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Waihau Bay on Tuesday morning after the 63-year-old Cape Runaway man fell ill.

The Trustpower TECT Resuce Helicopter airlifted a patient from Waihau Bay.

Pilot Liam Brettkelly says the man was having difficulty breathing, it was decided he needed transporting to hospital.

'The rescue helicopter was used because of the seriousness of the patient's condition and distance to hospital.”

Philips Search and Rescue Trust is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations.

For further information about PSRT visit our website http://rescue.org.nz.