Basildon Hospital helipad upgrade approved to improve emergency air access

Plans to upgrade the helipad at Basildon Hospital in eastern England have been approved, paving the way for a safer, night-flight-capable landing site to support emergency air ambulance transfers.

The hospital is the second busiest location served by Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAA) and is home to the region’s major cardiothoracic center, meaning cardiac arrest patients account for a significant share of air ambulance arrivals.

The upgrade will replace the existing unlit tarmac helipad with a modern facility featuring pilot-controlled lighting, improving safety and allowing flights to continue later into the afternoon and evening during darker winter months.

The project is fully funded by the HELP Appeal charity on behalf of EHAA. Work is expected to take around six months once a start date is confirmed.

Maimuna Mushabe, Chief Executive for Basildon Hospital, said: “This upgrade will make the area safer, Civil Aviation Authority compliant, and will mean a smoother service for heart patients who need to come to the world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre by air ambulance. It’s already being used by these patients, so the changes will help improve that service for patients, air and ground crews alike.”

The improved facility is expected to strengthen access to specialist cardiac care and support faster emergency transfers for critically ill patients across the region.