DIDSBURY - Construction of the $500,000 heliport upgrade at the Didsbury Hospital has been completed although Alberta Health Services (AHS) is still awaiting certification from Transport Canada.
"We expect to receive certification and begin using the heliport in the coming months," said Bruce Conway, senior media relations adviser for AHS. "We are working with our consultants and Transport Canada to certify the heliport."
Conway said the heliport must be certified by Transport Canada before it can be used.
"This process can take some time as all parties must ensure the heliport meets the high safety standards required," he said. "We remain focused on certification so we can begin transporting patients to the upgraded heliport as soon as possible."
Transport Canada has required AHS to make some changes to the lighting system and a few other minor items, said Conway.
In the meantime, patients will be transported through the use of the local municipal airport, with ground ambulance support, nine kilometres from the hospital or by landing in an open space nearby (Zion Evangelical Missionary Church parking lot).
"We are excited to partner with the Rosebud Foundation on this project and again congratulate the community and the foundation for coming together to raise the funds for this project," said Conway.
