Brighton hospital helipad helps more than 70 critically ill patients as demand exceeds expectations

More than 70 critically ill patients have been flown directly to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton since its emergency helipad opened in March, prompting hospital bosses to seek changes to its planning permission.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust says the rooftop helipad has already proved invaluable in providing rapid access to life-saving treatment for patients across Sussex.

The facility allows air ambulances to land directly at the hospital's Major Trauma Centre, reducing delays for patients suffering serious injuries, cardiac emergencies and other life-threatening conditions.

However, the number of patients requiring the service has exceeded expectations made when the original planning permission was granted more than a decade ago.

The Trust is now preparing to submit an application to Brighton & Hove City Council to amend the existing planning conditions to reflect the increased demand.

Dr Duncan Bootland, an emergency medicine consultant at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and executive medical director at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, said the helipad was already making a significant difference.

“The helipad in Brighton is proving to be an invaluable asset for the whole of Sussex,” he said.

“Every week, we are seeing first-hand how bypassing road transfers and flying directly to the hospital is improving outcomes for our most critically ill patients. The level of demand seen since the helipad opened highlights the vital role direct access to specialist care now plays for patients across the region.”

Among those to benefit was Southampton resident David White, who became the first patient to be flown directly to the hospital on 14 March 2026.

David suffered a cardiac arrest and credits the rapid response of the air ambulance and its specialist medical team with helping to save his life.

He said: "I am so pleased to hear the service is helping even more people than anticipated. When I suffered my cardiac arrest, the speed of the air ambulance and specialist skills of the onboard doctors were critical to my survival.

“My family and I owe so much to them all and knowing these flights are now giving more people a second chance, just like I’ve had, is simply incredible news."

The NHS Trust says the helipad also benefits ambulance services by removing the need for secondary road transfers between helicopter landing locations and the hospital.

This means ambulance crews can remain available for other emergencies, while seriously ill patients receive specialist treatment more quickly.

Decisions about which patients are transported by helicopter are made by ambulance and specialist air medical teams, depending on their clinical needs and location.

While the service has been welcomed by medical teams and patients, hospital bosses acknowledge the increase in helicopter movements could affect residents living near the hospital.

The Trust is carrying out detailed noise and air quality assessments as part of its proposed planning amendment.

Hospital Director Stephen Mardlin said: "In just six months, the helipad has proved its immense value by enabling rapid, specialist care for people in Sussex who need it most. However, we recognise increased flights can also have an impact on our neighbours.

“We are committed to working closely with our local community to minimise noise and disruption wherever possible, and as part of the amendment we are conducting thorough environmental surveys to ensure this vital service continues to benefit patients while we do everything we can to be a responsible neighbour in the city."

The Trust intends to submit a Section 73 planning application, which would allow the existing conditions to be reconsidered without requiring an entirely new planning permission.

The process is expected to take several months, during which hospital officials will continue discussions with local residents through the Hospital Liaison Group.

The Trust says its priority remains ensuring critically ill and injured patients across Sussex can receive specialist emergency treatment as quickly as possible, while minimising the impact on surrounding communities.

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