PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - UK Coast Guard S92s unable to use some hospital helipads
Old 21st Aug 2016, 14:44
  #16 (permalink)  
jimf671
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Inverness-shire, Ross-shire
Posts: 1,460
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This is an old old issue and not just resulting from the recent adoption of a 12 tonne aircraft across the country. Even in Scotland where some helicopters are part of the NHS (and the S-92 has been in SAR service for around for 9 years), stupid half-baked decisions that are inconsistent with patient safety are made about Helicopter Landing Sites.

The Fort William situation is one of the most ridiculous since SAR and air ambulance helicopters are very regular visitors to the area and Belford Hospital is vital to trauma care in a large part of the West Highlands. Last I heard, plans for a replacement hospital, at a site that would in many ways be ideal for helicopters, were said to NOT include a HLS. Hopefully, during the years that it will take for the new hospital to become a reality, somebody will get a grip.
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