Today the Wandsworth Guardian got a sneak preview of the £5m helipad based at St George’s Hospital which is set to go into operation on Monday.
The Tooting-based helipad, which took a year and half to build, is expected to become fully functional after a series of test flights this week.
It will mostly support Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and London Air Ambulance services by transferring injured or seriously ill patients that to and from the hospital for specialist treatment.
There will be a slight increase in noise pollution for residents but the helipad will only be operational from 8am to 8pm to make sure it is kept to a minimum.
The helipad, which received a £1m donation from the charity HELP, is five storeys above the emergency department and has direct lift access from the rooftop.
A giant sign says 'St George's'
The view from the helipad across Tooting
Tooting MP Sadiq Khan jumps for joy with fire fighters on the helipad
The new structure cements the hospital’s position as one of the four major trauma hospitals in the capital where specialists are on hand.
It is the second helipad to be built in London but the first to be built south of the river Thames.
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