Coastguard helicopters operated by Bristow won't land at dozens of Scots hospitals due to 'safety concerns'

UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters will no longer land at dozens of Scottish hospital helipads due to “safety concerns.”

In a notice issued by NHS National Services Scotland, 23 hospital helipads are affected by the change via operator Bristow including in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Recommendations for the safety of hospital helicopter landing sites (HHLS) were published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) after a woman died in an accident in Devon in March 2022.

The 87-year-old died after being blown over as a helicopter landed at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Ten Scottish HHLS were found to have met the recommendations set out by the AAIB and are in line with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.

However a number have been found to be HHLS ‘red’, meaning Bristow SAR (search and rescue) operations have been withdrawn.

A spokesperson for Bristow Helicopters said: “Safety is always our first priority.

“Guidelines for safe Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter operations to Hospital Helicopter Landing Sites (HHLS) are set by the CAA.

“Management of these sites is the legal responsibility of the NHS Trusts.

“We continue to work with all NHS Trusts to ensure continued safe operations within CAA guidelines at all sites.”

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesperson said: “Safety is paramount at hospital helicopter landing sites.

“Where sites require compliance work, contingency plans will ensure HM Coastguard helicopters can deliver people safely into the appropriate onward medical care.

“HM Coastguard’s 24/7 search and rescue capability is unaffected.”

Every hospital affected where landings were made between May 2022- May 2024

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (58)
Western Isles Hospital (52)
Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (21)
Glasgow’s Golden Jubilee (20)
Campbeltown (13)
Ayr (nine)
Dundee (six)
Dumfries and Galloway (five)

The remaining affected facilities where no landings were made during the two year period are: Arran (Knockenkelly and Ormidale), Barra, Skye, Fort William, Kilmarnock, Melrose, Millport, Moffat, Mull, Oban, Rothesay and Stranraer.