An 89-year-old woman is in Whakatane Hospital after suffering a potentially serious medical event.

The Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Cape Runaway yesterday afternoon when the woman fell ill.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter in Cape Runaway.

Pilot Liam Brettkelly says the Waihau Bay volunteer fire crew secured a landing site for the helicopter.

'The onboard paramedic tended to the patient before she was flown to Whakatane for further treatment.

'The helicopter was dispatched because of the remote location of the patient.”