Isle of Mull EMS helipad officially launched after 20 landings

The new HELP Appeal funded helipad on the Isle of Mull, has been officially opened by John Wilson, who together with the late Dr. Bill Thomson, were responsible for the development of Mull and Iona Community Hospital. The ‘Wilson – Thomson’ helipad is named in their honour.

Since the helipad became operational on 19 March this year, it has already been used 20 times by air ambulance and coastguard helicopters transferring critically ill patients to the mainland for urgent, lifesaving treatment.

“This is an emotional day for everyone here. On behalf of the HELP Appeal, I’d like to say how proud we are that we’ve been able to build on the incredible service the hospital already provides by funding this state-of-the-art helipad, which is already making a huge impact to patients in an emergency and will continue to do so for many years to come. Huge thanks to our supporters for making it possible.”

Simon Jones from the HELP Appeal.

Speeches were made by Mr. Wilson; Simon Jones from the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to building hospital helipads, which donated £418,000 to cover the entire cost of its construction and lighting installation; and Moray Finch, from the Mull and Iona Community Trust, which is responsible for the future condition and maintenance of the helipad. Around 40 people were in attendance, including Andy and Naomi Knight, who donated the land the helipad is built on.

“The Mull and Iona Community Hospital Helipad, which is accessible 24/7 all year round, removes the need for a 15-minute land ambulance journey to Glenforsa Airfield and will deliver improvements in transfer times for patients that need to be airlifted to the mainland. This is a true example of fantastic local collaboration which has improved patient and staff experience.”

Andy Moir, Head of Air Ambulance Services at the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The new helipad also ensures that specialist hospital treatment at another A&E hospital or Major Trauma Centre on the mainland can be accessed within the Golden Hour and thus improve patients’ outcomes.

To read similar articles, check out our Frontline channel.