Midlands Air Ambulance has revealed plans for an improved helipad at the city’s hospital.
Richard Apps, head of strategic partnerships and service development at Midlands Air Ambulance, said: “Worcestershire Royal Hospital continues to be a key receiving hospital for our patients and, therefore, a high priority for us as a charity to ensure we have the best possible access to both their accident and emergency and cardiac departments.
“We are open to, and appreciate, any support ensuring we can progress the project to develop and enhance the helicopter landing site at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”
In its current state, the helipad is only able to welcome helicopters during daylight, meaning helicopters have to be diverted to Birmingham when it is dark, costing valuable minutes when they are needed most.
Midlands Air Ambulance said it is working with Worcestershire Royal Hospital to future-proof the site, as well as enable people to use it overnight.
One local leader who has thrown their support behind the announcement is Dame Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire.
She said: “The Midlands Air Ambulance provides a vital service for people who need help quickly and efficiently, and in rural areas, a helicopter can often be the fastest way to get a casualty to hospital.
“I know that previous attempts to improve the helicopter’s landing capability at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have stalled, and I am told that a new, fully-funded plan to improve the landing area is in place and ready to go.
“Time is always of the essence when people have an accident, so I am assured that a newly improved helipad will save lives and improve people’s chances of recovery.
“I will follow this matter closely as the plans are developed in consultation with the local planners and the hospital’s management.”