School pitch doubles as helipad for hospital choppers

AFTER a three-year absence, helicopters will be able to land near the country’s only level-one trauma hospital, it was confirmed yesterday.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) had come in for stinging criticism since the helipad was closed in 2003, to make way for the redevelopment of the multi-million euro A&E unit at Cork University Hospital.

However, the HSE has now reached agreement with adjoining school, Scoil Sproid Naomh in Bishopstown, to use its playing pitch for landings as a temporary measure, until a proper helipad is reinstated in the hospital grounds itself.

When the helipad closed, emergency cases were flown into Cork Airport and then had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital.

The time delay, it was claimed, could cost lives. The Irish Patients’ Association (IPA) asked the HSE to replace the helipad as soon as possible. Its chairman, Stephen McMahon, said quick access to the hospital for emergency cases was essential.

CUH deputy general manager Tony Long said the construction of the hospital’s new A&E department, which opened in April 2005, extended to an area encompassing the existing helipad and beyond, resulting in the loss of the facility.

County councillor Tim Lombard (FG), who had been critical of the loss of helipad, said he welcomed the news that it was to be reinstated.

“It is vital that the helipad is reinstated. If there is a major accident at sea it will constitute an important part of our National Emergency Plan,” Mr Lombard said.