PLANS to construct a new helipad at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) have been boosted following a £2 million donation.

The HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country that funds NHS hospital helipads, has donated the funds which are to be used as part of the new emergency department and critical care unit development on the former Damers School. 

These plans will see a new helipad constructed on the roof of the hospital, replacing the existing landing pad currently based at ground level. 

The new helipad will also be fitted with DIFFS, a firefighting system that will if ever needed, put out a fire within 15 seconds.

It will allow a patient to be transferred quickly and comfortably via a lift directly into the hospital, maintaining their privacy.

Nick Johnson, Interim Chief Executive of Dorset County Hospital, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal for their generous support by funding a new helipad to be built as part of the construction of a brand-new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit on the former Damers School site.

"We’re fortunate to have a helipad at DCH – it allows us to provide crucial critical care quickly and ultimately helps save lives. The new helipad will be a huge benefit to our patients, staff, and air ambulance crews."

The HELP Appeal has donated over £ 35 million in non-repayable grants to fund life-saving helipads at Major Trauma Centres and A&E hospitals around the country since 2009. 

The charity has pledged its support to DCH and presented the first £ 1 million instalment, which will fund the helipad’s construction on the rooftop of the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal added: "A rooftop helipad with immediate access to specialist, lifesaving treatment will undoubtedly help the amazing staff at Dorset County Hospital provide the best possible care for patients.

"The HELP Appeal has a strong history of supporting hospital helipad projects right across the south coast from Plymouth and Exeter to Southampton and Brighton.

"Over 23,000 landings have now taken place on life-saving helipads we have funded thanks to the support we receive from the public."