Two new helipads cleared for take-off at Ysbyty Gwynedd
27 February 2026
Work is set to begin on the construction of two new hospital helipads at Ysbyty Gwynedd – a project that will see the hospital gain one additional helipad, significantly improving emergency air access for some of the most seriously ill and injured patients in North Wales.
The dual helipads will be the first of its kind in the country, they are designed to meet the latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards and future requirements. Having two helipads allows both HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter and Wales Air Ambulance to land safely without delays, preventing stacking so one aircraft does not have to wait in the air while another is on the helipad.
The project is being funded with £1.5 million from the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads, alongside more than £800,000 from Welsh Government. This is the first time the HELP Appeal has funded a hospital helipad in Wales and the first time the charity has supported a double helipad. It marks the first phase of a wider programme to improve helicopter landing facilities across all Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board sites.
Ysbyty Gwynedd experienced 158 aircraft landings in 2022/23 including several occasions where two aircrafts required landing at the same time—highlighting the operational need for dual-pad capability.
Once complete, the new helipad area will include:
- Two fully compliant, simultaneous-use landing pads
- A secure perimeter with controlled access
- Upgraded lighting systems activated remotely from approaching aircraft
- A dedicated fire station area
- Improved patient transfer routes, including a planned electric “helibuggy”
- Weather monitoring equipment
- Safe ambulance access and parking
The hospital’s current helipad was installed in 1997 and, aside from routine maintenance, has not been modernised since. The redevelopment ensures Ysbyty Gwynedd is equipped to meet the needs of a region
Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The introduction of dual helipads is not simply about new infrastructure — it is about strengthening our ability to respond quickly and effectively when every minute matters.
“We serve a large and geographically diverse region, where air transfer can be critical in ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Having two fully compliant helipads will significantly enhance our resilience, particularly during periods of high demand or major incidents, and will ensure we are meeting the highest aviation safety standards now and into the future.
“I would like to thank the HELP Appeal and Welsh Government for their substantial investment and continued partnership. This project represents the first phase of a wider programme to modernise helicopter landing facilities across our health board sites, ensuring our communities have access to safe, timely and world-class emergency care for many years to come.”
Paul Andrew, Director of Operations for the West Integrated Health Community at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “A new helicopter landing site at Ysbyty Gwynedd is vital to ensuring we can provide a safe, compliant and future-proof facility for patients who require urgent air transfer.
“We are incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal charity and Welsh Government for their substantial investment, which will directly improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable patients.”
Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal charity said: “This helipad is more than new infrastructure, it is a lifeline.
“This is a landmark moment for the HELP Appeal, our first hospital helipad in Wales and the first double helipad the charity has ever funded.
“We have now funded over 36 brand new helipads resulting in many lives being saved with over 34,000 landings and are delighted to be able to do announce this exciting project in Wales.”
Planning permission for the new helipad design was approved by Gwynedd Council in September 2023, following extensive surveys and redesign work. The new design reflects strong collaboration between clinical teams, emergency service partners, aviation specialists and external stakeholders, ensuring that safety, patient care, privacy, and operational efficiency are prioritised throughout the design.
Captain Jon Earp, Pilot with Wales Air Ambulance, welcomed the development and said: “The new Ysbyty Gwynedd dual helipad will give us, the operators of both Wales Air Ambulance and Search and Rescue assets, the maximum potential to reduce patient delivery delay. In terms of facility, it will be world-class leading and a model for other hospitals to aspire to.”
Dr Pete Williams, Clinical Lead for Ysbyty Gwynedd Emergency Department, added: “As a district general hospital, our role is to rapidly assess, stabilise and begin life-saving treatment before either admitting locally or transferring patients on to specialist centres when required.
“I am extremely grateful to the HELP Appeal charity for their generous support in making this development possible. The upgrade will future-proof air access to Ysbyty Gwynedd, not only improving our ability to receive critically unwell patients, but also enabling the safe and timely transfer of both adults and children with time-critical conditions to specialist centres.
“Quite simply, this development enhances the resilience of our Emergency Department and supports better outcomes for some of the most seriously ill and injured patients in North Wales.”
When complete, the dual-pad facility will significantly strengthen the hospital’s ability to respond to major incidents, improve patient transfers to specialist centres such as the Royal Stoke University Hospital, and ensure compliance with both current and upcoming aviation safety standards.
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said: “Our investment of over £800,000 will help ensure patients across North Wales have access to world-class emergency care when they need it most. The new dual helipad facility at Ysbyty Gwynedd will be the first of its kind in Wales and will make a real difference to outcomes for seriously ill and injured patients. We're proud to support this vital project alongside the HELP Appeal Charity."
Work on the development is set to commence during April 2026.