Helipad opens at Royal Sussex after seven year delay
It means air ambulances can now land directly at the hospital
The Royal Sussex County Hospital has unveiled its new rooftop helipad after years of delays.
Built in 2018, the pad was due to open in 2019, but a series of problems saw the opening date pushed further back.
The helipad, operational atop the Thomas Kemp Tower at 388 feet above sea level, allows air ambulances to land directly at the hospital.
This development significantly reduces transfer times for critically ill and severely injured patients, facilitating quicker access to specialist medical teams.
Dr Andy Heeps, Chief Executive at University Hospitals Sussex, acknowledges the achievement:
"Reaching this point has been both complex and challenging, but it is a wonderful example of multidisciplinary teams from across our Trust, truly coming together as one UHSussex, alongside our external partners and charities, to overcome the challenges associated with making the helipad safe and effective.
"The collaboration, problem‑solving and dedication shown by everyone involved has been extraordinary, and today marks a proud moment for all of us as we continue our mission to provide excellent care, everywhere."
As the region’s Major Trauma Centre, the hospital is now equipped to receive trauma, cardiac, and stroke patients more efficiently.
The helipad strengthens the Sussex Major Trauma Network by enabling quick air ambulance services from across the area, potentially improving outcomes for those with time-critical injuries.
Dr Duncan Bootland, Executive Medical Director at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), expressed the importance of the helipad’s clinical role:
"The opening of the new helipad at the Royal Sussex County Hospital represents an important step forward in helping KSS deliver the fastest possible care to the most critically ill and injured patients.
"In emergency medicine, every second counts, and being able to bring patients directly into the hospital will make a meaningful difference to their chances of survival and recovery. Our crews are committed to providing world-leading prehospital emergency treatment and care, and this new helipad will help us do that as safely and efficiently as possible."
The construction of the helipad was partly funded by a £1.9 million donation from the HELP Appeal, the UK’s sole charity dedicated to hospital helipads.
Earlier this week, a comprehensive simulation exercise, involving a live helicopter landing and the safe transfer of a patient mannequin, confirmed the system’s readiness.
The helipad is expected to provide quicker access to emergency and specialist care for patients across Sussex.