HELP Appeal donates £600,000 for new helipad at Northumberland hospital
Situated at NSECH, the helipad plays a role in enabling the rapid transport and treatment of seriously ill and injured patients from across Northumberland and North Tyneside
The HELP Appeal has donated £600,000 to support the construction of a new helipad at the NSECH in Cramlington, in the northeast of England.
The project will ensure the new Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) helipad meets modern and future aviation standards. It includes the installation of a larger concrete landing pad, a 4-meter-wide safety zone, and enhanced earthworks and landscaping.
Once completed, the helipad will support both day and, for the first time, night landings, featuring new aviation lighting, safety markings, warning lights, and improved footpaths.
As part of the initiative, extensive wildflower planting will also take place, delivering a 10% net biodiversity gain in line with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s commitment to the NHS net zero agenda.
Situated at NSECH, the helipad plays a role in enabling the rapid transport and treatment of seriously ill and injured patients from across Northumberland and North Tyneside.
Dr Birju Bartoli, Chief Executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As one of the largest geographically spread NHS trusts in England, having a helipad is a valuable asset in supporting the delivery of emergency care. These upgrades will enhance our ability to provide timely, lifesaving critical care.
“We are incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal for their generous support. Their funding will make a lasting difference to our patients, our clinical teams and the air ambulance crews who rely on this facility.”
Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, added: “Thanks to the HELP Appeal’s funding, this helipad will be equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, enabling lifesaving air ambulance landings around the clock for the very first time.
“Nighttime landings mean that more critically ill patients can get to specialist care faster than ever before, no matter the hour. This transformation will help save more lives and marks a major step forward for emergency care in the region.”
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital helipad recently underwent a £183,047 makeover, thanks to a donation from the HELP Appeal.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.