WINNIPEG — A long-promised helicopter landing pad will soon be operating at a Winnipeg hospital.
The heliport at the Health Sciences Centre will start accepting flights this spring, cutting 20 minutes or more from patient transport times.
Currently, emergency patients from outside Winnipeg are flown to the airport, then transported by ground to the hospital.
Officials say the new landing pad will mean faster care and will include direct elevator access to operating areas.
The heliport was first promised in 2011 and was initially expected to open in 2013.
It's impending opening was announced today by Health Minister Sharon Blady, one week before a pre-election ban on government announcements kicks in.
