The helipad at Addenbrooke’s used by the region’s air ambulances is now in operation around the clock after extended hours were given planning permission.
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) and Magpas Air Ambulance currently use a temporary helipad at the Cambridge hospital.
A planning application has been approved by the local authority to extend the permitted hours of use from 7am to 9pm to a 24/7 basis.
It means patients can be transported quickly at any time of day or night to emergency care facilities at Addenbrooke’s, which is the region’s major trauma centre, and cut the need for longer transfers by land ambulance.
The 24/7 helipad at Addenbrooke’s became operational on 20 May and was welcomed by the air ambulance charities as “a huge, positive step for patients” that would also reduce discomfort for critically ill or injured patients.
EAAA has been flying 24/7 from its Norwich base for almost three years and also has a base at Cambridge Airport.
In the last 12 months, it has seen a six per cent rise in daytime tasks and has been significantly busier at night, recording a 17 per cent increase in callouts.
Alan Ward, aviation advisor at EAAA, said: “We have been really pleased to work in partnership with Addenbrooke’s on the development of a 24/7 helipad, which will have a notable positive impact on patient outcomes in our region.
“The current location requires a secondary ambulance transfer to A&E or Papworth. The helipad time restrictions also require secondary ambulance land transfers if, for instance, the patient is landed at Cambridge Airport.
“East Anglian Air Ambulance has been operating 24/7 since June 2021, so this progress towards a 24/7 helipad to reduce time and secondary transfers at Addenbrooke’s is significant in giving everyone the best chance of surviving and recovering from a life-threatening emergency.”
Jai Rawal, clinical director for the major trauma centre at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Addenbrooke’s said: “Health emergencies are extremely frightening for patients and their loved ones. As the major trauma centre for the East of England, CUH provides surgery, critical care, inpatient, rehabilitation and discharge services.
“Fast access to our highly trained clinical teams and the right equipment can be the difference between life and death, and gives patients the best chance of recovery.
“CUH welcomes the extension of the helipad’s operating hours at Addenbrooke’s. It is anticipated that there will only be a slight increase in the number of flights to and from the helipad, but each flight will have an enormous impact for the patient. This is a major step forward in the provision of emergency care for our local population and we continue to work closely with our urgent care partners to improve services.”
Natalie Church, Magpas Air Ambulance director of operations, adds: “At Magpas Air Ambulance, we believe that every hospital should have a permanent, immediately accessible helipad—particularly the major trauma centres in any region—that is available 24/7, just as many air ambulance charities are.
“We’re pleased Addenbrooke’s has made a great step towards this and will continue to work collaboratively with the other air ambulance services in the East of England to ensure all hospitals in the region prioritise a helipad in their building’s infrastructure plans.”
Dr Tony Joy, medical director at EHAAT, added: “‘With Addenbrooke’s being a primary major trauma centre for Essex, Hertfordshire, and the surrounding regions, we frequently transport patients there. The plans to develop a 24/7 helipad landing site are hugely welcome and will lead to a reduction in transfer times for critically ill and injured patients, helping to improve their clinical outcomes.
“EHAAT and other charities are working tirelessly on the campaign to improve local and national helipad infrastructure, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative work alongside our neighbouring air ambulances, EAAA and Magpas Air Ambulance as we collectively strive to deliver the most effective critical care to our local communities.’’
Specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots at the three charities bring advanced skills, equipment and medicines, normally only found in specialist emergency departments, to the scene. They are called to incidents such as road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests and other medical emergencies and their expertise, plus the quick onward transfer to the most appropriate hospital, helps give patients the best chance of survival.
