Helipad rule change request after rise in demand

A hospital trust is seeking to amend its helipad planning conditions after demand for air ambulance transfers proved higher than expected.

More than 50 patients have been airlifted to the Brighton site since the helipad opened in May after a seven-year delay, according to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

The facility provides direct access to the Sussex Major Trauma Centre for patients involved in serious road collisions, cardiac emergencies and incidents in remote locations.

Dr Duncan Bootland, an emergency medicine consultant and air ambulance medical director, said the helipad was proving to be an "invaluable asset" for the county.

"The level of demand seen since the helipad opened highlights the vital role direct access to specialist care now plays for patients across the region," he said.

The trust plans to ask Brighton & Hove City Council to amend the helipad's planning conditions to reflect its increased use since opening.

Hospital director Stephen Mardlin said: "In just six months, the helipad has proved its immense value by enabling rapid, specialist care for people in Sussex who need it most.

"However, we recognise increased flights can also have an impact on our neighbours."

Mardlin added they were committed to working with the local community to minimise noise and disruption while carrying out environmental surveys as part of the application process.

The planning process is expected to take several months, during which the trust said it would continue to engage with the local community.

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