Bluewater Health's helipad is now operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Transport Canada has granted the hospital permission to transfer patients during the overnight hours, effective immediately.
The pad is located just south of the Norman Street site, and has helped transport 16 patients since receiving certification for day use in November 2022.
Bluewater Health Vice President of Clinical Operations Laurie Zimmer said hospitals across the province are under increasing pressure, and the helipad has proven to be a valuable resource.
"Not only does it benefit the outcome for the patients for quality of life, but also in keeping our resources close to home," said Zimmer. "Our doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists are able to continue to see and take care of our patients as they need to be in our organization. Also, keeping our local ambulance trucks and paramedics within our community is just as important."
Bluewater Health first started exploring the helipad project in 2017, and construction was finalized in September 2022.
Prior to the helipad, Bluewater Health relied on ground emergency medical services (EMS) and the Sarnia Chris Hadfield airport for patient transfers.
The hospital said when a patient is critically ill, every minute saved in transportation, drastically increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
The project cost just under $1 million and was funded by community donations through the Bluewater Health Foundation and senior government.
