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Air ambulance services are continuing during construction of a new hospital thanks to a $151,000 gift-in-kind donation from Picton’s Base31.
“Base31’s generous $150,000 in-kind donation of land and construction of a temporary helipad is a remarkable demonstration of local support,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to the entire Base31 team for stepping up in such a meaningful way to support patient care in our community during this important time.”
As previously reported, construction on a brand-new hospital is underway. This latest partnership between the hospital foundation, Quinte Health and Base 31 is ensuring air ambulance services continue during the build.
Traditionally, the helicopter pad has been housed on PECMH property – but the helipad supporting Orange Air Ambulance has had to temporarily relocate during construction to provide a safe landing location for air ambulances.
In response, Base31 stepped up by donating space and building a temporary helipad at the intersection of the landing strips on the north end of the Picton Airport property, explained the hospital foundation.
Land ambulances leaving the hospital and needing to meet air ambulances will now rally at Base31 to transfer patients to hospitals providing specialized emergency services.
According to the hospital foundation, the value of Base31’s gift-in-kind donation to its “Back the Build” campaign for constructing the temporary off-site helipad is $150,000.
The temporary helipad will remain fully functional throughout the hospital construction period.
“Base31 is proud to play a role in safeguarding the health and safety of our neighbours during this critical time,” said Assaf Weisz, acting CEO and President of Base31. “Air transport is essential to ensuring patients receive life-saving care without delay, and we see this partnership as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the community we call home.
“Working alongside the PECMH Foundation and Quinte Health, we are honoured to help ensure uninterrupted emergency medical services while our new hospital is being built.”
A new helipad will be part of the new hospital once built – it’s anticipated to be operational at the time of the transition to the new building in early 2027. The location will be at the northwest corner of the hospital property near McFarland Drive.
“This partnership is another example of what we can achieve together as a community, working across sectors in support of care close to home,” said Stacey Daub, president and CEO of Quinte Health, while thanking Base31 for stepping up as a generous and reliable partner. “Their support ensures our teams can continue to respond swiftly to life-or-death situations with a helipad nearby, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration that is at the heart of the Prince Edward County community.”
Back the Build campaign chairperson Nancy Parks also said this type of gift exemplifies the kind of community leadership that is ultimately helping to bring to life the new hospital.
“Our campaign cabinet is proud to work alongside local businesses and organizations who support exceptional healthcare close to home,” added Parks.
As previously reported, the new “leading edge” and “net-zero-carbon” $153-million-plus hospital will span about 96,000 square feet and will feature expanded services, more patient beds and “state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging.”
The project has been described as the most significant change to the region’s health-care system since the first county hospital opened its doors in 1919.
People wanting to learn more on the redevelopment and the campaign can visit the hospital foundation’s website.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
