A new £1m helicopter landing pad at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool received its first visitors as part of an inaugural test flight by the North West Air Ambulance.

Medics say the helipad – which is operational from Monday 3rd July - will save vital minutes when transferring trauma patients from air ambulance into the hospital, which is part of the regional major trauma centre together with neuro specialists at the Walton Centre.

Until now air ambulances have had to land on the playing fields on Lower Lane, after which a road ambulance is sent to transfer patients to Aintree’s £35m Urgent Care and Trauma Centre. This can add up to half an hour to the journey but with the new helipad it will take just a few minutes.

Mr Simon Scott, Clinical Director for Major Trauma at Aintree, said: “The trauma centre treats patients who are seriously injured and, in those circumstances, every second counts. Being able to minimise the transfer time will make a huge difference to our patients and will help us save more lives.”

The regional trauma centre receives patients from across Cheshire and Merseyside who need urgent specialist care which isn’t necessarily available in their local hospital.

Heather Arrowsmith, Chief Executive at the North West Air Ambulance Charity, said: “During a serious medical emergency, every second counts. Helipads ensure our skilled crew can get patients to the best treatment centre quickly which ultimately improves chances of survival and reduces the risk of long-term injury. This test flight is an important step in ensuring that the entire process is as safe and efficient as possible. It’s just the start of what will be an extremely beneficial addition to the emergency service network in the North West.”

The helipad was funded by the HELP Appeal, which has been providing significant grants to fund life-saving helipads since 2009.

Robert Bertram, CEO of the HELP Appeal, said: “Everyone is aware of the vital roles that hospitals and air ambulances play in treating a critically ill patient, but having a helipad beside the emergency department can play a significant part in saving vital minutes when transporting a patient to the expert care they need to save their lives.

“This is why we felt compelled to get involved and cover most of the £1 million cost of Aintree University Hospital’s helipad. We knew the difference having it onsite would make.

“With the support of the air ambulances and the excellent emergency care team at Aintree – this incredible team of helicopters, helipad and hospital doctors – will make a huge difference to those people who are travelling through or residing in Cheshire and Merseyside, who may urgently need a blood transfusion, CT scan or any other life-saving treatment after suffering a critical injury.”