The report, Critical Moments, Life-Saving Infrastructure: The Case for Safeguarded 24/7 On-Site Hospital Helipads, calls for safeguarded 24/7 on-site helipad access at all Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) and specialist hospitals. It assessed 43 hospitals across the UK, identifying a clear national infrastructure gap, with more than half of sites unable to consistently support full 24/7 on-site helipad access, meaning that air ambulances may be required to land at alternative off-site secondary locations, with patients then transferred by road for the final stage of their journey. These additional steps can introduce avoidable delays in accessing specialist treatment and, in some cases, put lives at risk.
The findings reinforce the HELP Appeal’s long-standing mission to improve access to life-saving emergency care by funding hospital helipads across Great Britain. Since its establishment, the HELP Appeal remains.
To date, HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads – has funded 55 helipad projects, including 32 brand-new helipads which have seen over 34,500 helicopter landings, and 23 major upgrades, helping to transform access to emergency and specialist care for critically ill and injured patients.
The report calls on the government to provide national leadership, remove legislative barriers, and enable a coordinated national approach, to ensure that every patient can benefit from direct access to specialist care, regardless of where they are injured or become critically ill.
Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal, said: “We strongly support the report’s call for longer operating hours and safeguarded 24/7 access to hospital helipads. While significant progress has been made, many hospitals lack the infrastructure or operational arrangements needed to ensure air ambulance patients can be transferred directly to specialist care at any time of day or night.
“After 16 years of funding hospital helipads across Great Britain, the HELP Appeal’s work demonstrates what can be achieved. Through charitable support, we have funded a wide range of lifesaving helipad projects, helping air ambulances and hospitals provide faster access to treatment when every minute matters.
“The HELP Appeal has shown that a proven funding model already exists. The priority now is ensuring the right national policy, operational safeguarding and coordination are in place so that every patient can benefit from direct access to specialist care, wherever they are in the country.”
Air Ambulances UK CEO Mike McGrath added: “Access to safeguarded 24/7 on-site hospital helipads at Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals remains inconsistent across the UK, despite decades of recognition of this issue. For air ambulance services, this reality directly affects how efficiently patients can receive specialist care. This report demonstrates the evidence, operational experience and proven delivery models that exist. What’s needed now is clear national direction and coordination from government to ensure this gap is addressed comprehensively and consistently across the UK – so every patient has equitable access to life-saving care, regardless of location.”