Construction of the heliport at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre (NLRHC) is expected to start later this year.
The heliport will provide direct helicopter access to the hospital for residents, while also providing quicker access to higher levels of care in Edmonton.
On average 63 air ambulance helicopters are expected to land each year.
The estimated budget for the project is $5-million which will be funded through a government grant.
The proposed location will be at the rear of the hospital and require less preparation, lower the cost of the project and shorten the construction timeline.
Unlike the previous heliport that the NLRHC had in their parking lot, this new one will be on a platform 30-40 feet above ground with a direct route to the Emergency Department and operating rooms via an enclosed pedway.
“We are excited to see this project move forward,” says Dr. Kevin Worry, Medical Director, AHS North Zone. “The new location is ideal as it offers a direct route to key patient care areas, like our emergency department, and there is a clear flight path to and from the hospital.”
Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Stantec say they have been meeting with staff, physicians and stakeholders about where to build the heliport.
AHS wrote in a press release that Transport Canada has reviewed the proposed location and has no concerns at this time.
Before construction can begin the project will need to be approved by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and Transport Canada.
In the meantime, air ambulances will continue to land at the Fort McMurray airport and patients will be transported by ground ambulances to and from there.
“The main reason we need it in my opinion is that we have so much industry in Fort McMurray and in the vicinity and all of the oil sands companies are prone to accidents and lots of times it can make a real difference in how fast we can get them to the hospital,” said Al Woods, Senior Operating Director at the NLHC
Woods also noted that the heliport will also be a huge asset in terms of the amount of highway accidents the region sees on Highway 63.
Construction
The construction of the helipad will be coordinated with ongoing renovation projects at the hospital.
Construction will begin in September 2017 and be finished around September 2018.
To build the heliport, AHS requires the use of a temporary safe work zone near the health centre, not far from the Dr. Clark & Father Turcotte School.
A safe work zone is a designated area that allows contractors to access building materials and gives them space to complete the work as quickly as possible.
A fence will be built around the zone and the construction will have a minimal impact to the schools and students.
