Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton unveiled its new helistop at a grand opening event on Thursday, Nov. 13.
The helistop provides a designated landing and takeoff area for medical helicopters, including those in RWJBarnabas Health’s LifeFlight fleet, and expands RWJUH Hamilton’s capacity for transferring patients who require advanced, specialized or trauma care.
“Our system is home to the largest and oldest mobile health operation,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “We have over 1,700 EMS workers, touching over 200,000 individuals a year. When every second counts, the shortest distance between two points is an important thing. If we need to get a patient from here to New Brunswick, the quickest, shortest, fastest way possible is a direct shot, in the air, in a direct line.”
The helistop will operate 24/7 for medical emergencies, working with the hospital’s ground ambulance team. It is designed to reduce transfer time for patients in need of trauma, stroke, cardiac or other specialized care.
“Saving lives is our business, and this new helistop enhances our ability to respond quickly when time makes a difference,” said Lisa Breza, chief administrative officer at RWJUH Hamilton. “While it is a small addition to our campus, its impact will be profound — saving time, saving lives, and strengthening our network of care. This helistop symbolizes progress and readiness and is a true testament to our commitment to the community and to providing lifesaving care.”
RWJBarnabas Health’s Mobile Health air medical program launched in 2019.
At the ceremony, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy presented a joint legislative resolution from herself, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo and Sen. Linda Greenstein, on behalf of the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, recognizing all who contributed to the project.
For more information about RWJBarnabas Health’s Mobile Health program, visit rwjbh.org/treatment-care/mobile-health.
Seated left to right is Lasanta Horana, MD, Vice President, Medical Staff Leadership, and Chair, Department of Emergency Services at RWJUH Hamilton; Seth Rosenbaum, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at RWJUH Hamilton; Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health; and in the helicopter is Michael Pratico, Jr., Chair of the Board of Trustees at RWJUH Hamilton.,
