Yahoo News NHS spent £700,000 on hospital helipad which has never been used
The NHS reportedly spent £700,000 building a hospital helipad which has never been used because it breaches safety regulations.
The helipad was supposed to enable patients to be ferried in and out of the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.
But according to Metro, it has not been used for a single flight in the two years since it opened in March 2017.
Health and safety inspectors reportedly banned aircraft from the site because it does not have enough lights for night-time emergencies and needs more fences.
It had been hoped that the special night-time helipad would allow patients would be brought to the hospital 24 hours-a-day.
As it stands helicopters are being forced to use the trust’s old daytime helipad - which is an ambulance trip away from the hospital.
The local NHS service, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said they were attempting to rectify the mistakes so the pad could finally be used.
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A spokesperson told the newspaper: “SAR confirmed their requirements and a plan was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority for consideration.
“Having received advice from the CAA, this has then informed our ongoing discussions for the permanent arrangements required with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and how the fencing will be constructed to enable the new helipad to become fully operational.
“This fencing is important to protect public safety when helicopters land and take off from the helipad and incorporates a small amount of additional lighting.”
