The Helipad is officially open at Buffalo General Hospital. Two patients have already been transported to the facility, now known as Buffalo General Medical Center.
Cheryl Klass, senior vice President for Kaleida Health and president of Buffalo General Medical Center, says the helipad provides improved access to its specialized services, including the Chest Pain Center and the soon to be open Gates Vascular Institute. Prior to the helipad's opening, critically ill patients in need of transfer were first flown to ECMC, before an ambulance ride brought them to the Medical Center.
“Having a helipad is vital to our mission of providing the best possible care for critically ill patients throughout Western New York,” said Klass. “The helipad will provide improved access to the specialized services available at the Buffalo General Medical Center and the soon to be open Gates Vascular Institute.”
Klass added that a helipad is standard for tertiary care centers like Buffalo General. Medical helicopter service will be a strong compliment for the burgeoning Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
“The helipad is clearly beneficial to critically ill patients we receive who are most at risk and therefore can least afford any delays in receiving emergent care,” said Rob McCormack, M.D. “Being a tertiary care hospital, time is a critical element for many of our patients. Opening the helipad here at Buffalo General will allow for the physician to be at the patient’s bedside much quicker.”