Designed to meet the latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards and future requirements, the dual helipads will be the first of their kind in the Wales, allowing both HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter and Wales Air Ambulance to land safely without delays, preventing stacking so one aircraft does not have to wait in the air while another is on the helipad.
The hospital’s current helipad was installed in 1997 and, aside from routine maintenance, has not been modernised since. The project is being funded with £1.5m from the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads, alongside more than £800,000 from Welsh Government. This is the first time the HELP Appeal has funded a hospital helipad in Wales and the first time the charity has supported a double helipad. It marks the first phase of a wider programme to improve helicopter landing facilities across all Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board sites.
Ysbyty Gwynedd experienced 158 aircraft landings in 2022/23, including several occasions where two aircrafts required landing at the same time – highlighting the operational need for dual-pad capability.
Once complete, the new helipad area will include:
- Two fully compliant, simultaneous-use landing pads.
- A secure perimeter with controlled access.
- Upgraded lighting systems activated remotely from approaching aircraft.
- A dedicated fire station area.
- Improved patient transfer routes, including a planned electric ‘helibuggy’.
- Weather monitoring equipment.
- Safe ambulance access and parking.
Paul Andrew, director of operations for the West Integrated Health Community 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.”
Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal charity said: “This helipad is more than new infrastructure, it is a lifeline. 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.
“We have now funded over 36 brand new helipads resulting in many lives being saved with over 34,000 landings and are delighted to be able to do announce this exciting project in Wales.”
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said: “Our investment of over £800,000 will help ensure patients across North Wales have access to world-class emergency care when they need it most. The new dual helipad facility at Ysbyty Gwynedd will be the first of its kind in Wales and will make a real difference to outcomes for seriously ill and injured patients. We’re proud to support this vital project alongside the HELP Appeal Charity.”