Temporary helipad finally open at Bowmanville Hospital

The long delayed and much needed temporary helipad for Bowmanville Hospital is finally open.

The new helipad is on Haines Street, just five minutes from the hospital, and is a temporary replacement for the rooftop pad at Bowmanville Hospital that was closed five years ago because of safety concerns.

The site, on municipally-owned land, was approved by the Health Ministry in early 2021, with construction initially scheduled for that summer. The project, however, never got off the ground that year because of the pandemic and Lakeridge Health had been working with ORNGE Air Ambulance Service, as well as its government partners ever since to get all the necessary approvals.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the collaboration and continued support from the Municipality of Clarington, Ornge, and all our municipal, regional, provincial, and federal partners in making this interim helipad a reality. This milestone helps to ensure our community receives timely, life-saving care through enhanced emergency air transport services,” said Lakeridge Health CEO Cynthia Davis. “The helipad represents a crucial part of the long-awaited Bowmanville Hospital redevelopment project which will transform health care in Durham Region, provide lasting benefits to future generations, and help us to truly achieve a comprehensive, integrated system of care that reflects our vision of ‘One System. Best Health.’”

A new, permanent helipad is part of a $736 million redevelopment of the hospital that will add 178 more beds and expand critical care services to Level 3 Critical Care capacity – the highest level of care provided in hospitals for critically ill patients.

The previous helipad atop the hospital was in use for more than 30 years transferring critically ill patients to other acute care facilities until it was closed in 2018.

Since the closure of the helipad emergency services and Air ORNGE have been forced to use Oshawa Airport as a jumping off point to get critically ill patients to urgent care facilities, adding unnecessary minutes to travel time.

“The new, interim helipad is the next milestone in building a stronger healthcare system across the region and will ensure patients can continue to receive the emergency air support they need as work on the redevelopment continues,” said Health Minister Sylvia Jones.

The redevelopment project, which will nearly double the size of the hospital and has a public donation target of $110 million, will introduce modern, patient-centred facilities including private and bariatric rooms, new ambulatory care clinics, a new emergency department and a Haemodialysis Centre, as well as a new parking garage, additional green space and a new permanent roof-top helipad.

“Re-establishing air ambulance service through the interim helipad is a significant milestone for our community. For over three decades, the Bowmanville Hospital’s helipad has been a lifeline, ensuring critically ill patients receive the urgent care they need,” said Bowmanville Hospital Foundation CEO Maria Petri. “This helipad ensures that, even during our redevelopment, we remain equipped to provide life-saving services to those who need it most. The Bowmanville Hospital’s future is bright, and this interim helipad is just the beginning of a new era of health care in Durham Region.”

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors and volunteers – without their support, this vital resource would not have been possible.”

The opening of the interim helipad marks another “significant milestone” in the redevelopment, noted Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster, citing last month’s Request for Qualifications to find a project team with the expertise and capacity to design, construct, and finance the massive project.

“What an important breakthrough for emergency health care in our community. Re-opening a Bowmanville helipad to transport critically ill and injured patients will save lives,” Foster said. “Thank you to all of those who overcame the challenges of dealing with multiple agencies and faced frustration to make this much needed helipad a reality. Our community is grateful for your dedication.”

The temporary helipad on Haines Street has undergone comprehensive feasibility assessments and rigorous safety tests, with Transport Canada officially certifying the site.

Durham Paramedic Services Chief Troy Cheseboro said he was “thrilled” to learn the temporary helipad was finally open, saying it will “significantly improve” emergency air transport services to Clarington and Durham Region residents.

“It will help us deliver faster, more patient focused care to those in critical need, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

To learn more about the project, visit Bowmanville Hospital Redevelopment.