The Tribune

BAHAMIANS who need to go to Miami for medical treatment can now use from the University of Miami Hospital helipad.

The hospital opened the new helicopter pad in an effort to provide greater access to medical care to patients, including those from the Bahamas.

University of Miami Hospital president Donna Shalala made the announcement during an official launch at the hospital campus in Coral Gables.

In attendance was Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez, who was accompanied by Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Dr Glen Beneby of the Public Hospital Authority.

Dr Gomez said he was “excited and optimistic” about the launch. “This helipad comes at such a critical time, especially for the Bahamas as we venture into stem cell research,” said Dr Gomez.

“By now, you would have heard that the Bahamian government has asked the University of Miami Hospital to assist the Bahamas in its quest to establish stem cell research therapy and secondly to seek your support in helping the development in Bimini.”

President Shalala said patients with very complex disorders or serious injuries will increasingly have the option of being treated at the hospital, as its footprint in the region expands.

Patients anywhere in the Caribbean will be able to land at the helipad.

Hospital CEO Dan Snyder said the pad will also serve as a key drop-off point for medical supplies and personnel.

The University of Miami Hospital has 560 beds and provides access to physicians and other caregivers from the Miller School of Medicine.