Since opening in October 2016, the helipad has played a vital role in helping to deliver faster emergency care for people across south-east London and Kent, and we have marked the landing of the 2000th patient.
Before the helipad was constructed, air ambulances had to land in nearby Ruskin Park, and patients were then brought to the hospital by road, taking up to 25 minutes. Today, thanks to the helipad, the journey from landing to the resus bay takes just five minutes.
In March 2019, King's became the first hospital in London to be granted permission for air ambulances to land at night, meaning it is is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Now, any patients requiring specialist trauma treatment and care in south-east London and Kent can be airlifted to King’s in less than 30 minutes at any time of the day or night.
Dr Malcolm Tunnicliff, Clinical Director for Major Trauma at King’s College Hospital said:
"Whilst we treat patients regularly who have been involved in car accidents, falls, and industrial accidents. We also treat patients who have severe brain hemorrhages, and cardiac problems and that can only be done thanks to the helipad being here, an aircraft being able to fly the sickest people here quickly."
Iona Joy, Director Grants & Insight said:
"It's wonderful to be here today on this historic occasion.
As we celebrate the 2000th landing on the helipad and King's College Hospital Charity is so proud to have been involved in the funding for the helipad, but we're also really proud to be involved with the (Major) Trauma Centre and in an ongoing way, supporting the Day Room that is on the Katherine Monk Ward that helps with rehabilitation of patients.
And we can announce today that we're also supporting the redevelopment of the Wet Room, which will also help the dignity and rehabilitation of patients on the Trauma Ward.
So thank you to all our supporters, for donating to the Charity and enabling things like the helipad, the Day Room and the Wet Room to happen.
Thank you."
