BAM has completed the first rooftop helipad in the country with direct access to emergency services.

Thanks to a £2million donation from the HELP Appeal, construction of a helipad on top of the first standalone Major Trauma Hospital in the UK, at Salford Royal Hospital, is now complete.

The donation, made from the HELP Appeal to NorthCare, the official charity of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, has funded the development of the first rooftop helipad in the country with direct access to a lift down to the Emergency Department, saving valuable time for critically ill patients needing lifesaving treatment.

The helipad has been made purely from aluminium, including the support structure, and has been constructed with almost 1,000 bolts, so it is able to hold a colossal 8600kg. Built on top of the Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital on the Salford Royal Hospital site, the square helipad deck is approximately 26.4 metres squared.

Stuart Loftus, Construction Manager at BAM Construction Ltd, said “the team are extremely proud that the helipad has been completed on time and to our high standards. It’s another milestone towards the Major Trauma Hospital being ready to accept patients by Summer 2023.

“It’s testament to the hard work of the team here at BAM that work on the hospital is progressing on time, and we’re pleased to be leading a project that will make such a difference to patients in Greater Manchester.”

The helipad is due to become operational when the Major Trauma Hospital opens in June 2023, with an anticipated 360 landings on the helipad every year.

“We’re delighted to have received support from the HELP Appeal to construct the helipad, which will have a huge impact on our ability to treat the most seriously injured patients from across the North West”, said Eimhear Quinn, Emergency Department Consultant and Air Ambulance Doctor.

“Fundraising continues to develop the RAPTOR Theatre within the Major Trauma Hospital, ensuring we are able to provide the best possible care for those with multi-trauma injuries, increasing their chances of survival and recovery”. For more information of the charity’s work for the Major Trauma Hospital, visit northcarecharity.org/RAPTOR.