Since becoming operational in May 2014, the rooftop helipad at Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) has played a vital role in emergency care—enabling 1,484 helicopter landings by several air ambulance providers including Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and Great Western Air Ambulance.

Strategically positioned above the hospital, the helipad allows patients with life-threatening injuries or conditions from across the South West to be flown directly to BRI or the Bristol Heart Institute for specialist cardiac care. This swift access can often mean the difference between life and death as cardiac patient Bill Creamer. knows only too well.

The helipad was made possible thanks to a £3 million construction effort, with £500,000 generously contributed by the HELP Appeal—the only charity in the country solely dedicated to funding hospital helipads. The organisation relies entirely on public donations to carry out its mission of improving emergency medical access nationwide.

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal commented:

“Every second counts when it comes to saving lives. We’re incredibly proud to have funded part of this vital facility and to see the direct impact it has had on hundreds of critically ill patients.”

With each landing, the BRI helipad continues to reinforce its importance as a gateway to urgent, lifesaving treatment proving that investment in infrastructure can have an immeasurable impact on patient outcomes.

Since 2014, the HELP Appeal has also funded a deck-integrated firefighting system, capable of extinguishing a fire on BRI’s helipad in just 15 seconds. In addition, it funded a weather station that provides real-time, accurate weather data for emergency helicopter pilots—ensuring safer landings and faster, more efficient care for patients.