Sarnia's hospital is hoping to have its new helipad ready for use by the fall.
Bluewater Health Director of Biomedical Engineering and Support Services Jack Vanderveen provided county councillors with an update on the project during Wednesday's council meeting.
"The letter of no objection from the City of Sarnia was received on March 24, we awarded a construction tender to Jayden Construction on March 25, [and] groundbreaking construction is to be [discussed during a meeting on April 11]."
Vanderveen said they expect to be certified with Transport Canada this October, followed by an official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. He said the helipad is expected to be complete in August.
"We'll do some demo flights with Ornge at that point, more for engagement of the neighbours and the community and the school next door to understand what that looks like, sounds like, [and] do some education."
Part of the project includes the installation of a 175 metre walk path or gurney push from the helipad to the hospital.
"Which does sound like it's a long way and it is fairly long, but it's a lot shorter than many of them in the province," said Vanderveen.
The track at the former St. Patrick's High School will be removed during the first phase of the project. Vanderveen said it's been a sensitive subject with some area residents.
"We've tried to coordinate with the opening of the track at Great Lakes Secondary which is behind schedule and now does not look like it will be open until summer."
The project is estimated to cost $912,000, up from the previous estimate of $800,000.
Lambton County has committed $400,000 toward the installation. Bluewater Health Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander said the hospital is actively fundraising the remaining funds.
"Lambton County is one of the few communities that does not have a helipad at the current state," said Alexander. "And really adding this to our repertoire or our tool kit of what we're able to provide to patients and their families across Lambton County really only enhances access to care and that's what's really important."
Public Health Services General Manager Andrew Taylor said this mandate surely aligns with the county's views on improving patient outcomes.
"Looking at data, I believe from 2016-2017, we have done as a service for EMS over 224 patient transfers to London and on average between [London's] University Hospital and Victoria Hospital that's about two hours and 35 minutes each way and more time including offloading."
Vanderveen said they're differing the cost of a parking lot because it cost too much and that they'll likely have install it at a later date.