The new HELP Appeal funded helipad on the Isle of Mull, has been officially opened by John Wilson, who together with the late Dr. Bill Thomson, were responsible for the development of Mull and Iona Community Hospital. The ‘Wilson – Thomson’ helipad is named in their honor.

Since the helipad became operational in March it has already been used 20 times by air ambulance and coastguard helicopters transferring critically ill patients to the mainland for urgent, lifesaving treatment.

The HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to building hospital helipads, donated £418,000 to cover the entire cost of its construction and lighting installation. Moray Finch, from the Mull and Iona Community Trust, is responsible for the future condition and maintenance of the helipad.

Simon Jones from the HELP Appeal said “This is an emotional day for everyone here. On behalf of the HELP Appeal, I’d like to say how proud we are that we’ve been able to build on the incredible service the hospital already provides by funding this state-of-the-art helipad, which is already making a huge impact to patients in an emergency and will continue to do so for many years to come. Huge thanks to our supporters for making it possible.”

John Wilson said “I am delighted to see the official opening of the helipad. The late Bill Thomson would have been very proud to see this project finally complete.”

Moray Finch, Mull and Iona Community Trust said, “The new helipad also ensures that specialist hospital treatment at another A&E hospital or Major Trauma Center on the mainland can be accessed within the Golden Hour and thus improve patients’ outcomes”.