NHS Western Isles announces new interim alternative Helicopter Landing Site

NHS Western Isles is pleased to announce a new safe alternative Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) to serve the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway.

This achievement follows the reclassification of the hospital’s original HLS to the red list for Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters, necessitating an urgent and innovative solution to ensure continued safe and effective air access for medical emergencies.

The new secondary landing site, the first of its kind to be put in place in the UK since the SAR helicopter review of landing sites, marks a groundbreaking step forward in the provision of safe and reliable emergency services for the local community. This project is the result of the collaborative efforts of NHS Western Isles’ Chief Executive, Resilience, Western Isles Hospital Team, Coastguard, Scottish Ambulance Service, and Bristows, who have worked tirelessly to scope out and deliver a solution that meets the highest safety standards while addressing the unique challenges of the Western Isles.

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 new Mossend site has been carefully selected to adhere to the stringent operational and safety requirements set by CAP1264 and SAR operations. This ensures that critical care air transport can continue to operate without interruption, even in challenging weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Western Isles Hospital has long been at the heart of healthcare delivery in the Western Isles. The establishment of this secondary HLS underscores the hospital’s commitment to pioneering solutions that prioritise patient care and safety. Now operational, the site will serve as a vital link, particularly for critically ill or injured patients requiring urgent transfer to Western Isles Hospital or onward to mainland facilities.

NHS Western Isles expresses its gratitude to all parties involved in making this project a reality. The cooperation and input of Emergency Services professionals and the land owner have been instrumental in achieving this success. We have now achieved the seamless integration of the new site into its emergency response infrastructure.

As the first new secondary SAR landing site in the UK since the review of existing facilities, this initiative sets a national benchmark for innovation in healthcare accessibility and emergency preparedness. NHS Western Isles is proud to be leading this transformative change and to provide a solution that will save lives and serve the community.

While the establishment of the interim alternative HLS is a critical achievement, it is only a temporary measure. Reinstating a fully operational HLS at Western Isles Hospital remains an absolute priority for NHS Western Isles. This effort is being pursued with the full support of the HELP Appeal, whose generous assistance will play a vital role in delivering a permanent solution that meets the highest standards of safety and accessibility. NHS Western Isles is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the hospital is equipped with the infrastructure needed to support the long-term healthcare needs of the community.

ENDS

Background

Following a tragic incident in Plymouth in March 2022, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) made several new recommendations for Hospital Helicopter Landing Sites (HHLS). As a direct result of the recommendations, Bristow UK SAR air operator is withdrawing services to sites which they have assessed as not meeting the new additional requirements*.

This relates to 23 HHLS in NHS Scotland and impacts the site at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway (St Brendan’s on Barra and Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh on Benbecula are not impacted**). Only 10 sites across Scotland have been designated as ‘green’ and will continue to be used by SAR helicopters for landing.

NHS Western Isles would wish point out that in over 30 years of operation, there have been no incidents relating to physical injury as a result of the location of the helipad at Western Isles Hospital, however we acknowledge and accept the recommendations of the AAIB.

NHS Western Isles would wish to stress that the above changes do not impact on Scottish Ambulance Service air retrievals, which continue to take place from the Western Isles Hospital helipad.

*The main requirement relates to ‘downwash risks’ and that the downwash zone for large helicopters should extend 50 to 65 metres from the edge of a ground level hospital landing site, with a 30m downwash helipad zone that should be clear of people, parked cars and buildings. The helipad at Western Isles Hospital does not meet this new requirement. CAP 1264 Standards for Helicopter Landing Areas at Hospitals Third Edition issued April 2024 has been revised following the outcomes of the AAIB investigation. This is published by the Civil Aviation Authority. **Retrievals by Bristow SAR from Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh will continue to take place from Benbecula Airport and retrievals from St Brendan’s will continue to take place from Borve Machair.