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.