The Coastguard has decided to suspend helicopter landings at most Scottish hospitals due to safety concerns. This move comes in response to a safety review that was initiated after a tragic incident involving a woman’s death at a hospital in Devon two years ago. The 87-year-old woman was fatally injured while walking in a car park close to Derriford Hospital’s helipad when she was blown over by the rotor wash of a helicopter that was landing.
Bristow, the operator of HM Coastguard helicopter search and rescue service, has implemented this suspension across 23 sites in Scotland, including hospitals in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Among the most affected hospitals are Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) probe recommended certain safety measures, including extending safe zones around helipads to protect bystanders from rotor wash. NHS National Services Scotland has issued a safety notice to hospitals regarding these changes. Some hospitals, such as Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, have met these recommendations and can continue to receive helicopter landings.
NHS Grampian and NHS Western Isles are among the health boards that have responded to these safety concerns. NHS Grampian is working on improvements at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and the public. Meanwhile, NHS Western Isles has established alternative landing arrangements at Stornoway Airport following the suspension of helicopter landings at Western Isles Hospital.
The Scottish Government has assured that Scottish Air Ambulance and charity air ambulances can still access all hospitals in Scotland. Health boards are actively addressing the recommendations to ensure patient transport and care remain unaffected during this period.
In conclusion, the decision to suspend helicopter landings at most of Scotland’s hospitals reflects a proactive approach to prioritise safety following the tragic incident in Devon. Health boards and operators are working collaboratively to implement necessary safety measures and ensure the continued well-being of patients and staff across the country.