The HELP Appeal has announced that there have been more than 35,000 helicopter landings on HELP Appeal-funded helipads across the UK.
To date, the HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads – has funded 55 helipad projects, including 32 brand-new hospital helipads that have collectively received over 35,000 helicopter landings, alongside 23 major helipad upgrades that have enhanced patient access and operational capability.
The UK’s five busiest hospital helipads recorded more than 1,500 emergency helicopter landings during 2025:
- Southampton General Hospital – 322 landings
- King’s College Hospital, London – 319 landings
- Southmead Hospital, Bristol – 318 landings
- Raigmore Hospital, Inverness – 300 landings
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow – 282 landings
Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, said: “Reaching 35,000 helicopter landings on HELP Appeal-funded helipads is an extraordinary milestone and demonstrates the lifesaving impact that this infrastructure delivers every single day.
“Over the past 15 years we have helped transform emergency access to major trauma and specialist hospitals throughout Great Britain, ensuring thousands of critically ill and seriously injured patients reach the care they need as quickly as possible.
“While we are immensely proud of what has been achieved, our work is far from complete. With new projects progressing in Wales, Scotland, and England, and further hospitals seeking our support, we remain committed to ensuring that every patient can benefit from rapid access to life-saving hospital care.”
