REVELSTOKE — Interior Health was joined by the Revelstoke District Health Foundation and other community partners today to celebrate the completion of the Queen Victoria Hospital heliport, a locally- supported project that allows for the lifesaving medical transport of QVH’s most critical patients to a higher level of care, as quickly as possible.
The heliport received Transport Canada certification in May and has been in operation since, having been used five times at the hospital. The final work was completed on the project over the summer and fall.
“Minutes matter when it comes to critical care and the new heliport at Queen Victoria Hospital can make the difference when a life is in the balance in the Revelstoke area,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “The community came together to raise funds for this project and I thank everyone involved for helping make this heliport a reality.”
The completion of the QVH heliport was a true community effort and Interior Health (IH) is grateful to local residents for their support. The $623,595 project was made possible through the funding support of the Revelstoke District Health Foundation (RDHF), the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District, the City of Revelstoke Tourism Infrastructure Committee, donated services from local contractors as well as many community members who supported the project through the RDHF.
Revelstoke-based Vic Van Isle Construction was hired as the contractor for the project.
“The Revelstoke District Health Foundation is thrilled with the opening of the Queen Victoria Hospital Heliport,” said Steven Hui, RDHF board chair. “The generosity of the many people, local businesses, agencies, non-profits and the local and provincial government has been overwhelming and inspiring. The board would like to extend its most sincere thanks to everyone who has helped along the way.”
“Seeing the community come together and support this important project is heart-warming,” said Interior Health Board Chair Doug Cochrane. “This heliport is significant for Queen Victoria Hospital and for the Revelstoke region. Having so many people pull together really shows the great spirit of the people of the Columbia-Shuswap region. The heliport will enhance patient care for the entire region.”
The heliport will enhance access to trauma services for the Revelstoke region, allowing helicopters to land at Queen Victoria Hospital. Along with the ability to provide lifesaving medical air-transport, some of the other features will include a partially covered walkway to the emergency department and perimeter fencing to secure the helipad area.
“The Revelstoke region is home to some of the best back-country and adventure tourism areas in the world and having the ability to transport patients by air to and from Queen Victoria Hospital is critical to the health of both residents and tourists alike,” said outgoing Revelstoke Mayor Mark McKee. “Congratulations to the community on a job well-done in coming together to support this important project.”
“We are pleased to have supported this new heliport at the Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke,” said Rhona Martin, chair of the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Health District. “The Revelstoke region is home to an amazing array of adventure opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Having the ability to transport patients via helicopter is a great addition to Queen Victoria Hospital.”
*Press release and photograph contributed
Facebook Comments