TRAUMA HELIPAD APPROVED FOR JACKSON NORTH MEDICAL CENTER

Miami, FL – The North Miami Beach City Council approved an application for a helipad at Jackson North Medical Center, moving the hospital an important step closer to opening the first satellite location of Jackson Health System’s world-famous trauma service. The relocation and expansion of the helipad was approved Tuesday, March 19 in a 5-2 vote, and satisfies one of the state requirements to bring a Level 2 trauma center to the residents of north Miami-Dade County.

“This is a win for the citizens of North Miami Beach and all of north Miami-Dade County, as well as Jackson,” said Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System. “Unfortunately, tragedies do occur. If one happens in that region of the county, having a trauma center at Jackson North brings the specialized services needed closer to the victim. It also provides immediate access to the experts at the world-class Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.”

In seeking approval for the helipad, Jackson conducted extensive studies, including acoustical and safety evaluations. Hospital officials also met with homeowners interested in the impact that the proposed helipad could have on their neighborhoods. It was determined that the Jackson North helipad would be relocated to a safe area of the hospital campus and that helicopter transports would be landing less than once a week on average. Most trauma patients are transported by ground.

Mr. Migoya expressed Jackson’s gratitude to the city council for its support, as well as optimism that state regulators will draft appropriate new rules for determining where and when new trauma centers will open. Thanks to the resources of Ryder – Miami-Dade County’s only adult Level 1 trauma center – Jackson North and Jackson South Community Hospital are the community’s best-prepared hospitals to bring that service line into our neighborhoods. A hearing to discuss the application to construct a helipad at Jackson South is pending.