More critically ill patients are getting the rapid care they need thanks to the success of the emergency helipad at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton & Hove.
Since opening in March 2026, more than 50 people have been flown directly to the helipad for life-saving care at the Sussex Major Trauma Centre, reflecting demand that was not anticipated when planning permission was first granted more than a decade ago.
With so many people involved in road traffic collisions, experiencing cardiac emergencies, or injured in remote locations now benefitting from the air ambulance service, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an amendment to the helipad’s planning permission.
“The helipad in Brighton is proving to be an invaluable asset for the whole of Sussex,” said Dr Duncan Bootland, emergency medicine consultant at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, who also serves as the executive medical director at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.
“Every week, we are seeing first-hand how bypassing road transfers and flying directly to the hospital is improving outcomes for our most critically ill patients. The level of demand seen since the helipad opened highlights the vital role direct access to specialist care now plays for patients across the region.”
David White from Southampton was the very first patient to be flown directly to the hospital on 14 March 2026. He said: “I am so pleased to hear the service is helping even more people than anticipated. When I suffered my cardiac arrest, the speed of the air ambulance and specialist skills of the onboard doctors were critical to my survival.
“My family and I owe so much to them all and knowing these flights are now giving more people a second chance, just like I’ve had, is simply incredible news.”
Decisions to transport patients by helicopter are made by the ambulance service and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, based on acute clinical need and location. Rapid direct access by air to the hospital’s Major Trauma Centre removes the need for secondary ambulance transfers, freeing up ambulance crews for other patients and saving vital minutes that can mean the difference between life and death.
To align the helipad’s planning permission to today’s clinical demand, the Trust will submit a Section 73 planning amendment to Brighton & Hove City Council. The application will seek to update the original planning conditions to reflect the role the helipad now plays in supporting modern emergency care across Sussex. Comprehensive noise and air quality assessments are currently being undertaken around the hospital as part of this process.
Hospital Director Stephen Mardlin said: “In just six months, the helipad has proved its immense value by enabling rapid, specialist care for people in Sussex who need it most. However, we recognise increased flights can also have an impact on our neighbours.
“We are committed to working closely with our local community to minimise noise and disruption wherever possible, and as part of the amendment we are conducting thorough environmental surveys to ensure this vital service continues to benefit patients while we do everything we can to be a responsible neighbour in the city.”
The planning process is expected to take several months to complete, during which time the Trust will continue to engage with its neighbours through its Hospital Liaison Group and provide updates on our website.