BC NDP pledge to build helipad at northern B.C. hospital

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – British Columbia Premier and BC NDP Leader David Eby promised that a reelected NDP government would get a helipad built at a norther B.C. hospital expansion.

Eby committed to adding a helipad to the business plan for the University Hospital of Northern BC expansion project as he campaigned in Prince George, B.C.

“People in northern B.C. often have to travel to Prince George, the regional hub, for complex maternity care and emergency care, including trauma and cancer care. Travelling in a health emergency is already scary enough — we want to make it as fast and smooth as possible for patients as well as paramedics,” Eby said.

A BC NDP release also cited the current expansion of the hospital as well as use of a new Leonardo AW169 helicopter ambulance, which is due to enter service in the coming months. The new helicopter can fly longer distances with fewer refuelling stops.