MMMC helipad breaks ground
February 20, 2010 - WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii
Construction of a $3 million helipad was officially launched on February 19 with a groundbreaking ceremony at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Over 40 people attended the celebratory event highlighted by speakers State Senator Roz Baker, Maui Regional Board member Clay Sutherland, and MMMC Chief Executive Officer Wesley Lo.
Click to enlargePer Lo, the helipad represents another milestone in the hospital's efforts to improve healthcare services for the county and state.
The beginning of work on the helipad project comes as Maui Memorial has expanded its facility, including stroke intervention treatment, a new hospital wing with additional acute-care patient beds and the expansion of the facility's emergency room.
Candice Lahm, the chief flight medic for American Medical Response, said her crew averages about five helicopter emergency flights a month. Officials estimate that as much as 10 to 15 minutes could be saved in patient transport time with the helipad situated on Maui Memorial’s grounds. A patient's chances improve with quicker transport to the hospital.
