Construction begins on new heliport at local hospital

FORT McMURRAY – Construction begins Monday, January 8, 2018 on the new heliport at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.

The heliport is being built on land at the back of the hospital, as an elevated platform approximately nine to 12 metres off the ground in the corner of the staff parking lot. This elevated platform will make the heliport level with the main floor of the hospital and in close proximity to operating rooms and the emergency department.

“We are excited to see construction begin on this project,” says Dr. Kevin Worry, Medical Director for the North Zone of Alberta Health Services. “Having the heliport beside the health centre will improve access for patients who need critical care transport.”

Public parking and access to the facility will not be affected by construction.

“We would like to thank the public, staff, the municipality and our neighbours for engaging and working with us in order to move this project forward,” says Murray Crawford, Senior Operating Officer for the hospital.

A temporary work zone has been set up near the hospital and the Dr. Clark & Father Turcotte School to ensure contractors have access to build the structure and store construction equipment and materials.

The heliport is expected to be complete late next year. In the meantime, helicopter patient transports will continue to land at the Fort McMurray airport. Ground ambulances will be used to transport patients to and from the health centre and airport. This is already a common and safe practice in Fort McMurray and in other communities across the province.

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.