New Air ambulance helipad unveiled at Royal Victoria Hospital
The new site is set to 'shave vital minutes' off patient's journeys.
Last updated 18th Feb 2020
A new air ambulance helipad, unveiled today at the Royal Victoria Hospital, will help shave off 'vital minutes' - an operator said.
It is expected to be fully operational next week after the first test flight landing took place today at the Royal’s critical care building.
Previously, the air ambulance had to transfer people in life-threatening conditions from Musgrave Park Hospital.
Glenn O'Rorke from operator Air Ambulance Northern Ireland said: "It is a milestone for us.
"It is one piece of the jigsaw that was missing, to be able to bring the patient direct from scene to the major trauma centre.
"It is a huge triumph for us but at the heart of it are our patients.
"Patients will benefit from this and outcomes will benefit because of the reduced time that we can get from scene to hospital.''
The public pay for fuel for the aircraft, run by the charity.
Mr O'Rorke said the proximity of the helipad to the best care could be 'life-saving'.
He added: "Under the roof there are specialities that deal with brains, that deal with chest and abdominal injuries, orthopaedics, they are under one roof.
"We can get the patients to hospital within 25 minutes rather than having a secondary transfer from Musgrave or the City Airport.''
The helicopter arrived after a campaign for an air ambulance service by the late Dr John Hinds.
Dr Hinds provided medical assistance at motorcycle races.
He died in an accident in July 2015, but his partner Dr Janet Acheson continued his campaign.
Mr O'Rorke continues: "If we can reduce the time to definitive care that patient has a better chance of a positive outcome.''