The site is now fully operational and can accept major trauma patients from across the region, thanks also to the generosity of local people and businesses that have helped to raise the total cost of £2 million (US$2,698,000) to build the facility.
The new site will save many lives, as patients will be air lifted directly outside and transferred into the accident emergency department within minutes, which will save valuable time and save lives.
The site will serve approximately 1.8 million people across four counties, covering South Yorkshire, parts of the Humber, Derbyshire and the East Midlands.
“When a critical injury or accident takes place, every second is vital in getting the patient to the often life-saving treatment that they require,” said Robert Bertram, chief executive, HELP Appeal. “With this new onsite helipad right outside the ED [emergency department] in Sheffield, patients from across the South Yorkshire, Humber, Derbyshire and East Midland regions will receive the immediate and specialist attention required at those critical moments. Air ambulances will now have direct access to the hospital’s emergency department, significantly reducing transfer times, thus saving lives that can be lost through secondary road transfer.
“We provide the funding of helipads nationally because every second of every minute counts for serious accidents or medical emergencies. It is the kind donations and support received from the public, and local businesses and organizations that really help to make this a reality; without whom we could not support these hospitals and help to provide immediate attention that will save many lives.”
Since 2009 HELP Appeal has identified and helped to fund state-of-the-art new helipads or upgrade existing infrastructure at 14 MTCs and accident and emergency hospitals across the U.K. The HELP Appeal works directly with each hospital to drive the project, providing substantial grants assistance throughout the project including feasibility studies right through to launch.