Today, the helipad located atop the County Parking Garage officially opened. Mercy Flight, LifeNet and Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) team members have been testing the helipad and preparing over the last two weeks to be ready for today.
“The addition of the helipad at Wynn Hospital is a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional care to our community,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, president/CEO for MVHS. “Hospital helipads ensure that medical centers are accessible even from remote or congested areas, offering an alternative and faster route for patient transport. We are grateful for the partnership with Oneida County to ensure a helipad was located on the campus, and we appreciate the vital work helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) personnel provide to the community.”
The helipad was certified by the FAA in early October and training flights followed to ensure HEMS personnel were familiar with not only the landing space, but also the route and process to bring patients to and from the Wynn Hospital Emergency Department.
“Oneida County’s investment in expanding our parking garage to include this helipad reflects our commitment to providing top-tier healthcare access for our residents,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “By ensuring the helipad is as close to the Wynn Hospital as possible, we’re maximizing the speed and efficiency of emergency patient transport, which is critical in life-or-death situations. This project underscores our dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and delivering the best outcomes for those in need.”
The helipad is secured; MVHS Security and Facilities staff are the only ones with access to the helipad. Additionally, the garage has a dedicated set of two elevators that can be locked out for just Helipad/Trauma support. The helipad and sidewalk from the parking garage to the Emergency Department are heated so they can be used in inclement weather.
“The helipad at Wynn Hospital will absolutely contribute to more positive outcomes for patients being transported to or from Wynn via helicopter,” said Jeff Bartkoski, president/CEO of Mercy Flight Central. “This pad provides a safe and effective landing platform for Mercy Flight Central aircraft, enabling us to more expeditiously move the patient to the definitive care that they need. We are very pleased to use this helipad and know that it will help the community that we serve.”
The completion and certification of the helipad nearly coincides with the one-year anniversary of the opening of Wynn Hospital in October 2023.
The helipad at St. Luke’s Campus is now closed.
For more information, visit www.mvhealthsystem.org.
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