FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) — Life-saving medical care is getting closer to home on the Eastern Shore.

Thomas Hospital in Fairhope is adding a rooftop helipad as part of its multi-million dollar expansion under construction. Hospital leaders say this addition will cut down on critical transport time for heart attack, stroke, and trauma patients.

Right now, patients needing a higher level of critical care must be transported to Fairhope's airport before an air ambulance can take them to a hospital in Mobile or Pensacola. That can cost precious time.

"By having a tower with a helipad on top, we're able to accept patients quickly, take care of them, decrease injury to the brain and tissue," Arthur Johnson, the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Thomas Hospital, said.

Next year, patient

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