New helipad lands at CUH
The new helipad at CUH is set to move to 24-hour operation in the coming weeks following its official opening recently.
The helipad, which has recently completed operational testing, is already receiving patients.
The helipad will be directly connected to the hospital via a covered link bridge, set to be installed in the next three to six months.
In the interim, an ambulance will transport patients between the helipad and the emergency department or other specialist units on campus. The facility will support emergency cases across all critical care pathways, including paediatrics, stroke, heart attack, maternity, major trauma, and intensive care transfers.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opened the newly constructed helipad.
He said: “The opening of this state-of-the-art helipad at CUH is a major step forward for emergency healthcare in Ireland. It will ensure that critically ill patients can receive life-saving care as quickly as possible, significantly improving outcomes for those in need of urgent medical attention. I commend everyone involved in delivering this vital project.”
Deirdre O’Keeffe, Interim CEO of CUH, highlighted the importance of the new infrastructure. “Having a dedicated helipad on the hospital campus is a game-changer for emergency medical services in the region.
“Patients can now reach life-saving care within 10 minutes of landing, dramatically reducing the transfer times that were previously necessary when helicopters had to land at local GAA grounds or Cork Airport.”
Dr Andy Phillips, HSE South West said: “The ability to transfer patients by helicopter to CUH as a major trauma centre will save patient lives.”
Ongoing testing of the new helipad is ensuring that all safety protocols are met, including helicopter approach procedures, landing safety measures, and patient transfers to the Emergency Department.
The opening event was attended by local politicians, senior Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health officials, as well as pilots and air crews from the HSE Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, Irish Air Corps, Irish Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service, and Cork Fire Service.