By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A physician from Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo says the ongoing delay in approving the hospital's planned helipad is "irresponsible."
Dr. Steven Lana appeared before the Buffalo Common Council Tuesday to address safety concerns. This, after a judge nullified the Council's previous approval of the helipad for failing to take a "hard look" at public safety.
At issue is the presence of some oxygen tanks located at the proposed landing site on top of the six-story Alfiero building. Lana said the tanks don't pose an added risk.
"Now, would a direct crash of a helicopter into one of the tanks be horrible? It certainly would," Lana said. "But any crash involving a helicopter filled with EMTs, doctors, nurses and critically injured sick patients would be horrible, regardless of what the helicopter crashed into."
But attorney Arthur Giacalone, who represents two neighboring residents on Bryant Street, disputes that.
"Our concern has always been the fact that oxygen vigorously accelerates combustion of combustible objects," Giacalone said.
Lana, a pediatrician who rose to prominence in the effort to keep Women and Children's Hospital on Bryant Street two years ago, was clearly agitated that it's taken 12 years now to get a helipad.
This endless and irresponsible delay is not only an embarrassment to the community, it's an indictment of what has been the modus operandi for many years here," Lana said. "Enough already."
Right now, Mercy Flight is forced to deliver critically ill children to the helipad at ECMC for transfer by ambulance to Women and Children's. Lana said critical minutes are being lost that could mean life or death. But his strong tone did not play well with Giacalone.
"The lack of respect and the lack of concern for the nearby residents that Dr. Lana exhibits is appalling," Giacalone said.
Council Majority Leader Marc Coppola, whose district includes the hospital, supports the planned helipad. He expects the Council will make a final decision next month.