FORT FRANCES, Ont. — The Ontario government has approved funding for preparations for the construction of a heliport at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford visited the hospital Wednesday to announce up to $100,000 for the design and other preparatory work.
When completed, the heliport will allow patients to receive faster access to care rather than being transported by land ambulance, which can take hours longer.
"This is a significant first step towards improving patient flow and reducing patients' time in transit to the care they need," Rickford said.
Henry Gauthier, the CEO of Riverside Health Care, which operates the hospital, welcomed the announcement.
It's expected the helipad will be in operation within one to two years, after the completing of the initial design and other advance work this summer.
