King's College Hospital helipad marks 10 years
The south London facility has handled over 2,300 landings since opening in October 2016.
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King's College Hospital's helipad, the only one in London operating around the clock, has completed ten years of service. Since opening in October 2016, the facility has handled over 2,300 landings, enabling critically ill patients to reach emergency care more rapidly.
Before the helideck was established, helicopters transporting patients to the hospital had to land in Ruskin Park. The subsequent journey to the emergency department could take up to 30 minutes. Now, the transfer from landing to the resuscitation bay is reported to take less than five minutes.
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Impact on patient care
Carole Olding, lead nurse for major trauma at King's College Hospital, stated that the helideck has 'revolutionised how we treat people because we're treating them much quicker'. Malcolm Tunnicliff, clinical director for major trauma, highlighted the importance of speed for patients with brain injuries, noting that reducing transfer times 'really does make a difference'.
The helipad team includes a trauma nurse, a helideck security officer, and a specially trained porter who work together to ensure swift patient transfer. David Kassim, a helideck officer, described his role in conducting safety checks and liaising with pilots to ensure safe landings. Olufemi Akinona, a porter, explained the collaborative effort required to move patients from the helideck to the resuscitation area.
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Funding and community involvement
The construction of the helipad was made possible by a £2.75 million grant from the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal. An additional £500,000 was raised through the King's College Hospital Charity by patients, staff, and the local community. Mr Tunnicliff noted that the local community's contributions were particularly significant.
Fundraising efforts included various activities undertaken by individuals and groups, such as abseiling and participating in sponsored events, to generate funds for the helipad. Ms Olding commented on the 'amazing people' who undertook 'interesting, dangerous and most crazy things to raise money'.
Questions this report answers
+When did King's College Hospital's helipad open?
The helipad at King's College Hospital opened in October 2016. It operates 24 hours a day and has handled over 2,300 landings in its first decade of service.
+How has the helipad improved patient transfer times?
Before the helipad, patients arriving by helicopter had to land in Ruskin Park, with transfers to the emergency department taking up to 30 minutes. Now, the transfer from landing to resuscitation is completed in under five minutes.
+How was the helipad funded?
The helipad was funded through a £2.75 million grant from the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal. An additional £500,000 was raised by patients, staff, and the local community via the King's College Hospital Charity.
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