Coastguard search and rescue helicopter landings at Ayrshire hospitals have been suspended.
Bristow, who operate the UK Coastguard’s search and rescue operations, took the decision for safety reasons following an incident at a hospital in Devon.
An 87-year-old woman died after she was blown over when a helicopter was landing at Derriford Hospital in March 2022.
A report by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and subsequent regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) require “safe zones” for large helicopters to be extended to protect bystanders from “downwash”.
Ayrshire’s accident and emergency hospitals will all be affected by the move but neither University Hospital Crosshouse nor Arran War Memorial Hospital have seen any recent Coastguard helicopter landings.
Between May 2022 and May 2024, there were nine coastguard landings at University Hospital Ayr.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran have confirmed they are reviewing the situation.
Nicola Graham, director of infrastructure and support services, said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran have been made aware of the situation and are currently working with partners to review and take actions as appropriate.”
A spokesperson for Bristow said: “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.”
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