The £16 million helideck at the Royal Sussex County Hospital is due to be tested by an air ambulance helicopter for the first time this week – possibly as early as today (Tuesday 24 February).
The brief operational and safety checks will only go ahead if the air ambulance is not on a call-out and if weather conditions permit.
At the end of last week, University Hospitals Sussex, the NHS trust that runs the Brighton hospital, said that the first test flights were imminent.
The trust said: “The helideck will enable emergency teams to get patients arriving from across the region in the most serious life-threatening emergencies into the hospital faster than they can now.”
They will land atop the Thomas Kemp Tower. Until now, air ambulance crews have had to land in East Brighton Park for transfer to a conventional ambulance for the final stage of the journey.
The Royal Sussex is a regional major trauma centre and takes some of the most badly injured and seriously ill patients from across a wide area.
A letter has also been sent to neighbours saying: “As part of the final process, the air ambulance service is planning to conduct test flights this week, currently anticipated for Tuesday afternoon.
“Please note that these tests remain subject to confirmation by the air ambulance service.
“Their decision to go ahead will depend on weather conditions and emergency response commitments and so plans may change at short notice.
“The purpose of these test landings is to assess safety and the operational pathway including staff co-ordination, equipment readiness and patient transfer procedures.
“Should the tests go ahead, we have been informed they will be brief and focused solely on ensuring that all systems function safely and effectively.”
