Air ambulance charities have welcomed plans for a 24-hour helipad at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), and Magpas Air Ambulance previously had use of a temporary helipad at the hospital.

A recently planning application was approved to extend the permitted hours of use from 7am to 9pm to a 24/7 basis - ensuring patients can be transported quickly to emergency care facilities during those periods.

The 24/7 helipad became operational on Thursday, May 20, and will reduce the need and time for additional transfers by land ambulance.

Dr Tony Joy, medical director at EHAAT, said: "With Addenbrooke’s being a primary Major Trauma Centre for Essex, Hertfordshire, and the surrounding regions, we frequently transport patients there.

"The plans to develop a 24/7 helipad landing site are hugely welcome and will lead to a reduction in transfer times for critically ill and injured patients, helping to improve their clinical outcomes.

"EHAAT and other charities are working tirelessly on the campaign to improve local and national helipad infrastructure, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative work alongside our neighbouring air ambulances, EAAA and Magpas Air Ambulance as we collectively strive to deliver the most effective critical care to our local communities."

The specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots at the three air ambulance charities bring advanced skills, equipment and medicine to the patient's side as quickly as possible - giving every patient the best chance of survival as well as onward transfer to hospital.

Jai Rawal, clinical director for Major Trauma Centre at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), said: "Health emergencies are extremely frightening for patients and their loved ones. 

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"CUH welcomes the extension of the helipad’s operating hours at Addenbrooke’s.

"It is anticipated that there will only be a slight increase in the number of flights to and from the helipad, but each flight will have an enormous impact for the patient.

"This is a major step forward in the provision of emergency care for our local population and we continue to work closely with our urgent care partners to improve services."