Report calls for 24/7 hospital helipad access to improve trauma patient care

A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Air Ambulances has revealed significant gaps in hospital helipad provision across the UK, prompting calls for guaranteed 24/7 on-site access at all major trauma centres and specialist hospitals.

The report, Critical Moments, Life-Saving Infrastructure: The Case for Safeguarded 24/7 On-Site Hospital Helipads, assessed 43 hospitals and found that more than half are unable to consistently support round-the-clock on-site helicopter access.

According to the findings, 53 per cent of assessed hospitals are either unable, or not consistently able, to provide full operational capability for 24/7 helipad access. More than a third (37 per cent) either lack round-the-clock access altogether or do not have an operational helipad. The report also identifies seven hospitals that either currently require, or are expected to require within the next year, a new helipad.

The APPG warns that where on-site access is unavailable, air ambulances are often forced to land at secondary locations away from hospitals, creating additional transfer delays for critically ill and injured patients.

Air ambulance charities provide rapid pre-hospital emergency care across the UK but rely on NHS infrastructure to complete the patient journey into hospital. Unlike NHS services, they receive no routine government funding and depend largely on public donations.

“Access to safeguarded 24/7 on-site hospital helipads at major trauma centres and specialist hospitals remains inconsistent across the UK, despite decades of recognition of this issue. For air ambulance services, this reality directly affects how efficiently patients can receive specialist care. This report demonstrates the evidence, operational experience and proven delivery models that exist.

“What’s needed now is clear national direction and coordination from government to ensure this gap is addressed comprehensively and consistently across the UK, so every patient has equitable access to life-saving care, regardless of location.”

Mike McGrath, Chief Executive, Air Ambulances UK.

The report calls for coordinated action across government departments, including the Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Transport, and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, to address the infrastructure shortfall and establish hospital helipads as a standard part of NHS provision.

Recommendations include stronger planning policies, consistent aviation safety standards and the creation of a national contingency funding mechanism to support helipad development where needed. The findings were highlighted at a parliamentary reception held at the House of Commons on 2 June, organised by Air Ambulances UK (AAUK). More than 80 MPs attended the event, which aimed to raise awareness of the role air ambulance charities play in delivering emergency care across the UK.

“Patients shouldn’t face barriers to life-saving care because of where they are or how they arrive at hospital. Safeguarded, 24/7 on-site hospital helipads are an important part of making sure everyone can access the care they need. They help ensure that specialist treatment is within reach for all patients, reducing avoidable delay or variation and supporting a more consistent and equitable healthcare system.”

Dr Hilary Jones, campaign ambassador.

Air Ambulances UK has also launched a public petition calling for safeguarded 24/7 hospital helipad access at all major trauma centres and specialist hospitals across the UK.

You can read the full report here.

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