Official Opening of the St George’s Hospital Helipad
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson officially opened the St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust helipad today (May 29).
Planning for the £5m helipad began in 2010 shortly after St George’s Hospital was designated as the major trauma centre for the South West London and Surrey Trauma Network.
It is the first London helipad south of the Thames and will routinely receive patients from the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance as well as the London’s Air Ambulance and possibly further afield if required.
The Helicopter Emergency Landing Pad (HELP) appeal donated £1m to the helipad construction, which took 11 months to complete. The pad has been in operation since early April this year and has so far received 30 patients from five ambulance services.
Miles Scott, Chief Executive of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust says:
“As a major trauma centre St George’s Hospital treats patients suffering from life threatening injuries and illnesses. We know that getting our patients to us in the fastest time possible so they can receive expert treatment is vital for ensuring the best survival rates and future quality of life. The helipad is an important and impressive addition to St George’s Hospital and I would like to thank everyone who helped take its concept from the drawing board to reality.”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London says:
“St George’s brand new helipad is providing an additional lifeline to south London and beyond, delivering patients in need of acute care into the heart of one of the capital’s principal teaching hospitals. With London’s forecast population growth, this is a welcome boost to healthcare provision in our city.”
The Media Centre at St George’s University have produced a short film following the build, use and official opening of the helipad. We hope you enjoy it.http://youtu.be/g7tTLnDJQy0
