Government officials and special guests joined Henry Mayo staff and physicians on April 27, 2011 for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s new parking structure and life-saving helipad.

Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean, Mayor Pro-Tem Laurie Ender and representatives for the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce were among more than 100 people attending the event during which refreshments were served. Proclamations were presented to the hospital recognizing this milestone achievement.

The 750-space parking structure and helipad were constructed by McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and designed by Irvine-based Choate Parking Consultants. The 244,135-square-foot parking structure is the first major component of Henry Mayo’s 15-year expansion plan for the overall campus and will significantly improve parking conditions for hospital patients, visitors, and staff.

The return of the helipad, which is awaiting final inspection, will allow Henry Mayo to retain its designation as the only trauma center in the Santa Clarita Valley and provides immediate and life-saving air transport to patients suffering traumatic injuries or illness—thereby giving the best possible chance for survival and recovery when seconds can mean the difference between life and death, health and disability.

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The structure includes three elevators, one of which is specifically designed to serve as a trauma elevator and the temporary rooftop helipad will service the existing trauma center until the permanent helipad is constructed as part of the new patient tower.

Henry Mayo is working hard to balance the community’s need for expanded medical services with the quality of life our Valley enjoys. The new parking structure is beautifully landscaped and includes more than 600 shrubs and plants, and 50 crape myrtle, sycamore and pine trees. Pathways for pedestrians, landscaping, appropriate use of color and an architectural design that is consistent with the local community aesthetic have been integrated throughout the structure.

Hospital staff, volunteers and students will begin parking at the new structure effective Monday, May 2, 2011.