Helicopter port officially open at HSC

Helipad ready for use at HSC Michelle Gerwing explains, STARS Air Ambulance says it will be able to get to more critical incidents closer to Winnipeg.

Manitoba’s only hospital-based helicopter port officially went into operation at Health Sciences Centre on Monday.

The helicopter landing pad will improve access to care for patients airlifted to the hospital, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said in a news release.

The port sits on top of the Diagnostic Centre of Excellence building, between the Children’s Hospital and the Ann Thomas Building, which includes intensive care units, operating theatres and emergency departments.

“The ability to land directly at HSC, with direct access to our specialists, will improve the survival and quality of life for our patients,” Dr. Perry Grey, chief operating officer at HSC, said in the release.

Before this, helicopters had to land at the airport and take patients to hospital by ambulance.

The hospital held test flights last week, so pilots and medical crews with STARS Air Ambulance could familiarize themselves with the landing pad.