Overlake Hospital Medical Center has opened a new helistop at its main Bellevue, Wash., campus to provide more efficient emergency treatment for patients who need to be airlifted. The helistop opened Sept. 1. Overlake anticipates about five to 10 patient transports per month, according to hospital officials. The hospital previously had access to a helipad in nearby downtown Bellevue; patients were then taken by ambulance to the ED.

A private reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony was Aug. 31. At the event, Airlift Northwest landed one of its helicopters on the site to demonstrate its patient transport process together with hospital staff.

Overlake’s Auxiliary and Foundation members were thanked for their support in raising funds at the 2008 Bandage Ball to build the helistop.

“Without their continued generosity, we would not be able to fund critical capital projects like the helistop,” said Craig Hendrickson, Overlake’s president and CEO.