Cambridge: Addenbrooke's Gets Helipad

20 December 2012, 15:57 | Updated: 20 December 2012, 16:04

A temporary helipad has been built at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, meaning badly hurt patients will get into the hospital faster.

Previously air ambulances have had to land at a nearby golf course, with patients taken the last few miles by road.

The new helipad has been located 'as close to the emergency department as possible', however a small transfer by land ambulance will still be required.

Addenbrooke's Hospital is the Major Trauma Centre for the East of England.

This means that the area's most critically injured patients get taken to Addenbrooke's due to the specialist facilities there.

Clinical Director at the East of England Trauma Network Doctor Simon Lewis said: "I would like to thank all the organisations involved in this process and the public for raising money, particularly Chariots of Fire which has provided the funds for the temporary helipad.

Whilst care has already been improved for the most seriously injured through the development of the Major Trauma Centre and Trauma Units, the helipad will ensure that those patients can access care just that little bit quicker."

It's understood a permanent helipad is due to be built during a future redevelopment of part of the hospital.