HELP Appeal, February 21, 2022 - Seriously ill or injured patients from across the region will benefit from extended air ambulance flying hours thanks to a generous donation of nearly £47,000 to Peterborough City Hospital from the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads
State–of–the–art helipad lighting will enable air ambulances to land throughout the night and support immediate access to the Emergency Department during darkness hours.
The lighting installation is solar powered therefore reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint. All air ambulance pilots can activate the lighting system via a VHF radio transponder miles away from the helipad. Alternatively, staff on-site can operate the system from the ground control panel.
Stuart Toulson, Matron for Urgent & Emergency Care at Peterborough City Hospital, said:
“’We are extremely grateful to our friends at the HELP Appeal for ensuring that our team within the Emergency Department can now deliver high quality emergency care across the full 24-hour period. Their generosity will have a very positive impact for our patients.”
Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal commented: “People can become seriously ill or injured anytime of the day or night. This new, state-of-the-art lighting system on Peterborough City Hospital’s helipad, allows air ambulances to land, even when it’s dark, so patients can get the urgent treatment they need 24 / 7 – which will save many more lives.”
Paul Ferguson, Peterborough City Hospital’s Heli-Ops Manager added: “We are eternally thankful to the HELP Appeal and support agencies for the installation of the night lighting system. This enhances our ability to accept aircraft at night. We average 5-10 day time movements per month which will increase with the lighting in place.”
The helipad, which was built in September 2011, now offers a 24-hour service meaning that MAGPAS, the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Coastguard Service, and other specialist units can access the hospital at any time of the day and night.
About HELP Appeal: Since 2009 the HELP Appeal has identified and helped to fund state of the art new helipads or upgrade existing infrastructure at major trauma centres (MTC) and emergency services A&E hospitals across the UK. The HELP Appeal works directly with each hospital to drive the project, providing substantial grants assistance throughout the project, including feasibility studies right through to launch. .
air ambulance hospital night approach
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) air ambulance helicopter