The HELP Appeal — which is the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads — presented a cheque to Royal Preston Hospital worth over £111,000. The donation has covered improvements to the safety of the hospital helipad and further assisted its night flying capabilities.
The works included additional safety signage, warning lights and automated barriers which stop vehicles and pedestrians from passing close to the helipad. Lighting has also been improved to assist staff in accessing the helipad during night-time.
The system is also linked to a control panel which air ambulance pilots can activate remotely as they approach the helipad. This provides greater efficiency and will improve the speed by which patients suffering from major illness or trauma can access emergency care.
The charity’s donation comes six years after the HELP Appeal first supported the hospital by giving £20,000 to ensure that lighting could be installed, enabling air ambulances to land at night for the first time. The improvement work will ensure that whatever the time of the night, critically ill or injured patients will have immediate access to consultant care after landing on the hospital helipad.
“We would like to thank the HELP appeal and everyone who donated,” said Dr. Denison Davis, major trauma clinical lead at the Royal Preston Hospital. “The improvements will ensure the sickest patients can be transported and treated at any time of the day. This is critical in providing the best possible care and outcome for our patients.”
“We are delighted that we could help in 2013 and again this year,” said Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal. “As a major trauma centre it is vital that the life-saving helipad is able to be used safely. They can always approach us if an upgrade is required. When Royal Preston Hospital asked us for a donation, we had no hesitation in saying yes, as the safety of patients and staff is paramount.
“Huge thanks should also be given to the general public. Without their donations, this work might not have happened. We are very grateful for their support.”
For more information about the HELP Appeal, visit www.helpappeal.org.uk
