The MFT’s new HLS is anticipated to be operational in the New Year and is situated on the Grafton Street car park; this location allows speedier transfer of helicopter-borne patients to the emergency departments of the adjacent Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH), St Mary’s and the Royal Eye Hospital. The HLS’s proximity to these hospitals will expedite the delivery of patients to life-saving treatment centres in the so-called “golden hour” - the hour immediately following a serious injury.

Avigation will support operational activities determining the obstacle clearance lighting requirements, design and installation for the HLS. This lighting will assist aircrews’ safe approach, landing and departure manoeuvres at night and/or during periods of low visibility; the planning and installation of such lighting will be developed in accordance with the operational requirements of the HLS. Similarly, noise and environmental assessments will support the MFT’s wider stakeholder engagement. 

In supporting these activities, Avigation will also investigate the implementation of GNSS Point in Space (PinS) procedures, which could further enhance airborne emergency services’ ability to operate to and from the HLS in adverse weather conditions.  

Avigation's Chairman, Brent Day, said: "Avigation is extremely proud to be able to support the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in bringing this critical infrastructure into operation, which will see the Trust’s life-saving staff, treatment centres and services being able to receive helicopter-borne patients much quicker than is currently the case."

If you would like to discuss HLS or GNSS PinS operations (or another aviation-related challenge), please contact us at info@avigation.co.uk.

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