The new secondary landing site is the first of its kind to be put in place in the UK since the helicopter SAR helicopter review and is a major step forward in the provision of safe and reliable emergency services for the Western Isles.
The project was put together by NHS Western Isles’ Chief Executive, Resilience, the Western Isles Hospital Team, the Coastguard, Scottish Ambulance Service and Bristows.
They have worked together to scope out and deliver a solution that meets the safety standards as well as addressing the unique challenges of the Western Isles.
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The review into helipads came after an incident in Plymouth where an 87-year-old woman died when she was knocked over by the wind created by a helicopter as she walked through a car park.
Another woman in her 80s was also knocked over and suffered a broken pelvis. No incidents of a similar nature have happened in the Western Isles because of the original site but the groups have worked quickly together to improve safety standards.
Chief Executive of NHS Western Isles, Gordon Jamieson, said: “We are delighted to lead the way in creating a secondary landing site for SAR helicopters, ensuring that patients in the Western Isles continue to have access to life-saving air transport.
“This accomplishment reflects our recognition of how mission critical air transfer is, and our unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our community. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our hospital team and partners.”
The site has been carefully selected to adhere to the operational and safety requirements set and ensures critical care air transport can continue without interruption, even in challenging weather or unforeseen circumstances.