New helipad secures direct access to hospital for emergency patients

The helipad, located above the fourth floor of the RHCYP/DCN will serve both the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the RHCYP/DCN, giving direct access to child and adult emergency departments, as well as all other clinical departments based on site. Dr Jon McCormack, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Major Trauma, NHS Lothian, explained that having access to a helipad plays an important role in optimizing patient flow pathways for both planned and emergency transfers.

He said: “The helipad will provide access to hospital services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with three trained helideck responders being available to ensure safe landing and departure. This will help to enhance patient care by facilitating a seamless transition of patients from the air ambulance to in-patient services.”

Funding helipads at UK hospitals

The helipad was part-funded through the HELP Appeal, an initiative aimed at ensuring that patients who sustain life threatening critical injuries are able to be flown directly by air ambulance to a Major Trauma Centre, where all the specialist clinical skills and medical equipment are immediately available, improving their chances of survival and recovery. The HELP Appeal is the only charity in the country funding helipads at key hospitals

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, said: “The amazing Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh treat some of the most seriously ill in Scotland. This lifesaving helipad will dramatically speed up the time it takes to transfer these patients from helicopter to hospital anytime of the day or night, giving them the best chance of survival and recovery.

“We had no hesitation in providing the £700,000 needed to ensure the hospitals had a state-of-the-art helipad – a crucial element in their emergency care offering – as it will save many lives.

“With brand new helipads opening in Applecross and Campbeltown, and the helipad opening in Edinburgh today, we are so pleased that the HELP Appeal is making a positive impact in emergency care across Scotland. We look forward to helping many more hospitals secure helipads in the future.”

In late 2020, National Health Service (NHS) hospital helipads funded by the HELP Appeal have reached 15,500 landings, demonstrating their importance and regular use by air ambulance operators.