The HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads, is proud to announce it is funding a new, state-of-the-art helipad at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. This significant upgrade, made possible through a donation of over £288,000 from the charity, marks another major milestone in the HELP Appeal’s commitment to providing the best emergency healthcare for the most critically ill patients in our country.

The new helipad will feature a larger landing area, capable of accommodating today’s bigger helicopters, and facilitate quicker and more efficient transfers of critically ill patients to the hospital’s specialist departments. The upgraded design includes robust fencing to protect patients and hospital staff and ensure safety around the helipad, as well as advanced lighting systems to support landings during darkness hours.

“Our supporters have been instrumental in making this project a reality,” says Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal. “Their donations have ensured his helipad will be fit for today’s standards whilst continuing to improve patients’ outcomes by enabling their quick and safe transfer to and from the hospital in critical incidents.”

Grace Broughton, UHL Capital Project Manager adds: “It is expected that around 40 patients will need the helipad every year. The upgraded facility will also comply with all necessary safety regulations and standards, ensuring the highest level of care and safety for both patients and staff.”

The goal is for the new helipad to become operational by 23rd December 2024.

The HELP Appeal relies solely on charitable donations and does not receive any government funding or money from the National Lottery. Across the country, HELP Appeal funded NHS hospital helipads have seen over 29,000 landings to date.