New helipad at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital

Located above the hospital’s emergency department entrance, the helipad is a near US$2 million investment. Before the helipad’s construction, medical helicopter transports from the Jersey Shore area occurred at the Jersey Shore Airport in Antes Fort, nearly three miles from the hospital. The addition of the helipad eliminates the extra time it takes to drive the patient between the hospital and the airport.

“The construction of this helipad will help save lives,” said Tammy Anderer, Chief Administrative Officer for Geisinger’s north-central region. “Our investments in equipment and telemedicine technology – and now the helipad – show our commitment to making better health easier and more accessible for our neighbors.”

Multiple air ambulances to use helipad

In addition to the helipad, the construction included ramps, a heated walkway and a new doorway from the helipad to the second floor of the hospital. Financing for this project was provided in part from a gift to the Geisinger Health Foundation and through a $250,000 grant Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital received from the Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.

Geisinger Life Flight will be one of the air ambulance services using the helipad. On average, Life Flight transports five patients per month from Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital.