New Helipad At West Hills Hospital To Expand Access For Critical Burn Patients

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A new helipad at West Hills Hospital could make a big difference for critical burn patients throughout the region.

KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports the helipad will enable medical helicopters transporting patients to West Hills Hospital & Medical Center to have a permanent landing site on a new helipad atop the hospital's emergency department.

The $3 million helipad project spans 4,225 square-feet, sits at an elevation of 47 feet and took five months to build with no disruption to the hospital emergency and critical care services, according to officials.

Beyond serving incoming patients at West Hills Hospital, officials say the new medical helicopter service means that patients can also be airlifted to other medical facilities across the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.

Dr. Peter H. Grossman, who runs the hospital's Grossman Burn Center, will not only service patients of the Burn Center, but also allow the center to extend its operations as far east as Nevada.

"With the access of this helipad, we are going to be able to transform and augment access to critical burn care in Southern California," said Grossman.

Councilmember Mitchell Englander will join the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas, West Hills Hospital and the Grossman Burn Center at the opening of the new helipad atop West Hills Hospital later Tuesday.