The Helipad is officially commissioned at Heywood Hospital in Gardner MA. View complete Press Release, CLICK HERE.
Helipad Formally Commissioned at Heywood Hospital in Gardner MA
View complete Press Release, CLICK HERE. Listen to the Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss this news in a podcast. CLICK PLAY.
On June 24, 2026, Heywood Healthcare reached a critical milestone in regional emergency services with the official ribbon cutting of a new, fully operational helipad at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, MA. This project, which was eight months in development, represents the culmination of a vision shared by hospital leadership and community supporters for over 40 years.
The helipad significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to provide life-saving care by reducing transfer times for patients requiring the specialized services of tertiary medical centers. The facility is already proving its utility; prior to the official ceremony, four patients had already been successfully transported to higher levels of care. With this addition, Heywood Healthcare now operates helipads at both its Heywood Hospital and Athol Hospital campuses, creating a robust emergency air transport network for North Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
Rozanna Penney, President and CEO of Heywood Healthcare: “For more than 40 years, dedicated physicians, APPs, leaders, staff, board members, community leaders, and supporters have shared the vision of bring this capability to Heywood Hospital…This is another important step in strengthening access to high-quality care for the communities we serve.”
The helipad at Heywood Hospital is expected to be more active than its counterpart at Athol Hospital, based on current healthcare trends and regional needs.
| Metric | Athol Hospital (2025 Data) | Heywood Hospital (Estimated Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Landings | 37 | 40 – 60 |
| Overnight Landings | 14 | Data not specified |
| Average Monthly Landings | ~4 | ~3.3 – 5 |
The successful transport of four patients prior to the official ribbon cutting serves as immediate evidence of the facility’s integration into the hospital’s emergency response protocols.
