Gwynedd hospital to get Wales’ first dual helipads

Construction is set to begin on two new helipads at Ysbyty Gwynedd (Gwynedd Hospital), marking the first dual-pad facility of its kind in the country. The project will give the hospital one additional helipad, improving emergency air access for seriously ill and injured patients across North Wales.

Designed to meet the latest UK Civil Aviation Authority standards, the helipads will allow HM Coastguard search and rescue and Wales Air Ambulance helicopters to land simultaneously, avoiding delays and ‘stacking’ in the air.

Funded with £1.5 million from the HELP Appeal and over £800,000 from the Welsh Government, this is the charity’s first hospital helipad in Wales and first double-pad project. Ysbyty Gwynedd had 158 aircraft landings in 2022/23, including several occasions requiring simultaneous landings, highlighting the operational need.

Paul Andrew, Director of Operations at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “A new helicopter landing site at Ysbyty Gwynedd is vital to ensuring we can provide a safe, compliant, and future-proof facility for patients who require urgent air transfer. The introduction of two helipads will reduce delays and significantly improve resilience during major incidents or periods of high demand. We are incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal charity and Welsh Government for their substantial investment.”

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, added: “This is a landmark moment for the HELP Appeal, our first hospital helipad in Wales and the first double helipad the charity has ever funded.”

Captain Jon Earp of Wales Air Ambulance called it “world-class leading and a model for other hospitals”, while Dr Pete Williams, Clinical Lead for the hospital’s Emergency Department, said it would “enhance the resilience of our Emergency Department and support better outcomes”.

The dual-pad facility will strengthen responses to major incidents, improve patient transfers to specialist centers, and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.

Funding was confirmed late last year for a replacement helipad at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King’s Lynn, eastern England.