Heliport at Cold Lake Healthcare Centre reopens

COLD LAKE — The heliport at Cold Lake Healthcare Centre has reopened and is fully operational.

The heliport was temporarily closed to allow for upgrades to improve safety and efficiency. It reopened June 27.

The heliport will now be able to accommodate more helicopter landings during winter months, following upgrades to the mechanical snowmelt heating system. Upgrades to mechanical components below ground also resulted in minor landscaping around the heliport.

During upgrade-related construction, STARS helicopters landed at the nearby Cold Lake airport, which is approximately nine minutes away from the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre.

Ground ambulances were used to transport patients to and from the health centre and airport. This is common practice in other communities across the province and is a safe option.

Having the heliport beside the healthcare centre ensures patients have improved access to critical care transport.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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