A University of Liverpool academic has contributed to a landmark report that sets out the urgent case for improved and consistent emergency healthcare infrastructure, to ensure critically injured and unwell patients receive faster, safer access to specialist care.
Dr Neale Watson, Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering, co-authored a new report Critical Moments, Life-Saving Infrastructure which was launched at a parliamentary reception hosted by Air Ambulances UK in the House of Commons.
The event brought together over 80 MPs and Peers alongside representatives from the UK's air ambulance charities, NHS organisation and wider healthcare sector to discuss the future of emergency trauma care.
The report examines the vital role of hospital helipads in supporting Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and makes the case for safeguarding 24/7 on-site helipads at Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals across the UK.
While air ambulance charities fund and operate the aircraft and clinical teams, the report highlights that hospital helipads form an essential part of NHS healthcare infrastructure and therefore are an NHS logistical responsibility. This requires strategic planning and close collaboration between Government, NHS organisations, hospitals and the air ambulance sector to ensure a consistent, safe system.
Dr Neale Watson specialises in the critical safety and operational challenges of rotorcraft in complex environments, specifically focusing on the aerodynamic interactions between helicopters and landing structures such as hospital helipads, ships, and offshore platforms.
He said: "This report shines a light on a critical but often overlooked part of our emergency healthcare system. Every minute counts when treating patients with life-threatening injuries, and ensuring that major trauma centres have safe, accessible helipads available around the clock can make a significant difference to patient outcomes.
"It was a privilege to work alongside colleagues from Air Ambulances UK and the HELP Appeal to produce evidence-based recommendations that we hope will help inform future policy and strengthen emergency care across the UK."
The report was co-authored with Jamie Ward from Air Ambulances UK and Simon Jones from the HELP Appeal (County Air Ambulance Trust). It draws together evidence from across the sector to demonstrate the importance of resilient aviation infrastructure within the UK's trauma network.
The parliamentary launch featured contributions from MPs and healthcare leaders, alongside representatives from air ambulance charities, clinicians and patients, reflecting the broad support for improving access to specialist emergency care.
The full report, Critical Moments, Life-Saving Infrastructure, is available to read via Air Ambulances UK.
This video was taken at the parliamentary launch features interviews with Dr Watson, Jamie Ward, parliamentarians and others who attended the launch event.
Thanks to the University of Liverpool's Policy Support Fund allocation from Research England which allowed some of this work to take place.
Learn more about the University's policy engagement work here.
