HONESDALE -- Across the street from some homes on Route 191 in Honesdale, you'll notice some fencing around a big slab of pavement. It's a new heliport for Wayne Memorial Hospital.
The landing site is bringing the hospital one step closer to becoming a level four trauma center.
"I think it's a really good thing for our community. It will increase access for health care in our community and if there's severe accidents people will get the care that they need faster," said Melissa Weidner, Honesdale.
Less than a mile from the hospital, the $100,000 heliport on Fair Avenue is expected to help save lives.
The site will allow those with traumatic injuries to get to Wayne Memorial more quickly.
"Now having a helipad very close to the hospital, it will be a great asset. It's also a requirement to become a trauma center," said David Hoff, Hospital Chief Executive Officer.
Residents who live right across the street tell us they are a little concerned about the amount of noise that may come from it but some bushes are going to be put up to help muffle the sound.
Jodi Verola lives right across the street from the heliport. She tells us she can drown out a little noise if a life can be saved.
"It will be loud initially, you know, but it's for a good cause. It's never a good thing when Life Flights comes. If it was my loved one, I would want them to be where they can get the fastest help," said Jodi Verola, Honesdale.
The heliport is just a part of a multi-million dollar construction project going on at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
The hospital has three flight agreements in place with area health care systems.
If the FAA gives its okay, the helipad is expected to be put into operation at the end of the month.
