The reintroduction of search and rescue helicopters at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is a welcome move after safety concerns led to their temporary suspension
Last September, a safety notice from NHS Scotland put a hold on helicopter operations at hospitals across Scotland. This was after a tragic incident at Derriford Hospital in 2022. For now, helicopters have been landing at Aberdeen International Airport, which means patients need to be taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Now, there’s a push to upgrade the helipad at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to meet safety standards. This upgrade will involve moving a nitrogen tank and making other improvements. Graham Wildgoose is leading this project to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
The teamwork between NHS Grampian, helicopter operators, and aviation authorities has been praised. The helipad is crucial for quick responses, especially for patients coming from remote areas or offshore.
An NHS Grampian spokesperson mentioned their commitment to restoring helicopter landings at ARI. They’ve also brought in Helideck Certification Agency Ltd to help with the safety checks.
Andrew Bowie, the local MP, expressed his relief about the plans. He noted how important it is for SAR helicopters to land at hospitals, especially in emergencies. Every second counts when it comes to saving lives.
The good news comes just as Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is set to introduce a new Airbus H145 D3 helicopter. This new addition is expected to enhance emergency response capabilities significantly.
Everyone is hopeful that the upgrades will be completed soon so that the helicopters can return to landing at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary without delay.
