Home / Health / King's Hospital Helideck: A Decade of Saving Lives
King's Hospital Helideck: A Decade of Saving Lives
27 Oct
Summary
- Hospital helideck operates 24/7, significantly reducing patient transfer times.
- The facility opened in October 2016, marking its 10-year anniversary.
- Fundraising efforts by the community and charity were crucial for its development.
Ten years ago, King's College Hospital in Denmark Hill unveiled a helideck that has since transformed its capacity to treat critically ill patients. This facility, operational around the clock since October 2016, allows for rapid air transfers of individuals suffering from severe road traffic accidents, falls, strokes, and heart attacks.
The helideck's proximity to the emergency department has dramatically reduced transfer times. Previously, patients arriving by helicopter had to land in a nearby park, adding nearly half an hour to their journey. Now, the transfer from landing to resuscitation is completed in under five minutes, a critical advantage for survival, particularly in cases of brain injury.
This vital service is supported by a dedicated team, including trauma nurses, helideck security officers, and specially trained porters, who work in close coordination. The hospital has recorded over 2,300 landings in its decade of operation, serving patients from south-east London and Kent.
The development of the helideck was made possible through significant funding, including £2.75 million from the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal and £500,000 raised by the King's College Hospital Charity through community efforts. These contributions highlight the public's role in enabling faster access to life-saving care.
