On Wednesday 1 May, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust started construction on the new 24 hour helipad at Maidstone Hospital, with the Chair, David Highton and Chief Executive, Miles Scott turning the first soil in a ground-breaking ceremony.

The new 24 hour helipad landing site will permanently replace the current temporary site and increase the life chances of patients who need emergency treatment. 

The new construction is thanks to the generous support of the HELP (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads) Appeal who funded the landing site which will make a real difference to Maidstone Hospital. The charity is the only one in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads.

Currently helicopters are using a temporary landing site which frequently becomes waterlogged with the new helipad bringing a permanent, 24 hour safe landing site back to Maidstone.

The new 24 hour helipad landing site will be located at the rear of the oncology unit designed by architects KLH Architects and built by appointed contractor Brooks & Wood Ltd. The work is scheduled to be completed and ready for use by early next year.