Helipad at Cork University Hospital 'jewel in the crown' of State's air ambulance service

Taoiseach pledges continued State investment in the service, which brings a mobile emergency department and specialist paramedics to the scene of major medical emergencies

The air ambulance crew of pilot Chris Keating, Prof Adrian Murphy, consultant in emergency medicine and prehospital emergency care, and Paul Traynor, lead advanced paramedic at the launch of the Cork University Hospital Helipad in Wilton, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

The new helipad at Cork University Hospital (CUH) has been hailed as a major advance in emergency healthcare that will help save lives.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who officially opened the facility yesterday, described it as “the jewel in the crown” of the State’s air ambulance or helicopter emergency medical service.

He pledged continued State investment in the service, which brings a mobile emergency department and specialist paramedics to the scene of major medical emergencies — who treat casualties on scene before transporting them to hospital faster.

Over the next two decades, helicopters airlifting patients to CUH landed on nearby sports pitches or at Cork Airport, with patient transfers on to CUH by ambulance.

The new helipad got planning in July 2019 but its delivery was delayed by covid — with construction finally starting in 2023, and the first patient flights landing on it last September.

It’s set to move to 24-hour operation in the coming weeks. A new covered link bridge to connect it to the hospital will be installed in the next three to six months.

CUH’s interim CEO, Deirdre O’Keeffe, said having a dedicated helipad on the hospital campus is a game-changer for emergency medical services in the region.

Patients can now reach life-saving care within 10 minutes of landing, dramatically reducing the transfer times that were previously necessary when helicopters had to land at local GAA grounds or Cork Airport.

HSE South West’s regional executive officer, Andy Phillips, said the ability to transfer patients by helicopter to CUH will save patient lives.

“As Ireland’s only Model 4 specialist hospital, CUH provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for all age groups, with every specialty co-located on one campus,” he said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Dr Andy Phillips, regional executive officer HSE South West, Deeirdre O'Keeffe, CEO, CUH, and Prof John Higgins, CEO, SSW Hospital Group. Picture: Dan Linehan

“Ongoing testing of the new helipad is ensuring that all safety protocols are met, including helicopter approach procedures, landing safety measures, and patient transfers to the [emergency department].”

The National ambulance service helicopter at the Cork University Hospital Helipad in Wilton, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

The official opening was attended by local politicians, senior HSE and Department of Health officials, as well as pilots and air crews from the HSE helicopter emergency medical service, the Irish Air Corps, the Irish Coast Guard, the National Ambulance Service, and Cork Fire Service.

“This new facility speaks to the importance of CUH as a major trauma hospital with all of the specialties on site, which is unique across the country,” Mr Martin said.

“This is a further advance in terms of developing trauma services here in Cork.

“It is a significant investment in the [helicopter emergency medical service] operation. This service will grow and we will continue to invest in the service along with the growth of the hospital.”