Margaretville Hospital Opens New On-Campus Heliport For Emergency Transfers

MARGARETVILLE, NY — Margaretville Hospital has opened a permanent on-campus heliport aimed at speeding emergency transfers for critically ill and injured patients in Delaware and Sullivan counties.

The hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, unveiled the new facility Friday.

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According to WMCHealth, Margaretville Hospital is a rural critical access hospital serving a geographically isolated region where transfer times can be critical. The heliport sits next to the hospital entrance, giving helicopters direct access to the facility, and it will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. WMCHealth said the site is intended to expand access to specialized care for patients facing major trauma, stroke or cardiac emergencies.

The new heliport replaces a landing area about half a mile from the hospital. According to the hospital, that earlier site required local fire departments and first responders to clear and prepare the area before flights could land. The new facility also includes pilot-controlled lighting for nighttime operations.

"In a life-threatening emergency, every minute matters for our patients and their families," said David Lubarsky, Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. "This heliport will help connect patients to lifesaving specialty care faster. We are grateful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, O'Connor Foundation, Margaretville Health Foundation benefactors, Congressman Rep. Josh Riley, local officials and state regulators who helped make it possible."

Michael Hochman, Executive Director of Margaretville Hospital and Mountainside Residential Care Center, said the project is especially important for a rural hospital.

"For a rural hospital, rapid access to advanced trauma and specialty care is essential," Hochman said. "This heliport strengthens emergency care for our region and reflects the commitment of the many partners who brought it to completion."

The project was supported by state and foundation grants, including $200,000 from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, according to WMCHealth. The Margaretville Health Foundation played a significant role in helping secure funding and build support for the project, according to the hospital network.