Uncertainty surrounds future of helipad at Akureyri Hospital in Iceland

There is uncertainty surrounding the future of the helipad at Akureyri Hospital. The new hospital building is planned to be constructed on the current site of the helicopter landing zone, but no decisions have been made about a new location, according to the hospital’s director.

Björn Gunnarsson, an anesthesiologist and emergency doctor, emphasizes the importance of having a helipad close to the emergency department. Despite the proximity to the nearest alternative landing site, Akureyri Airport, transferring critically ill patients from the helicopter to an ambulance can be risky. He points out that having medical professionals available upon arrival is crucial, as the helicopter often has limited medical staff on board.

Parents of a newborn who experienced respiratory failure at their home in Skagafjörður earlier this month expressed gratitude for the quick response of the Coast Guard and the proximity of the helicopter service in Akureyri, which assisted in the emergency.

Hildigunnur Svavarsdóttir, director of Akureyri Hospital, states that the issue is currently with a working group that is addressing it. While it is clear that a new building will be erected at the current landing site, no decisions about future arrangements have been finalized. She reassures that constructing a new helipad on top of the new building is not an option and reassures that there is no need to worry about a temporary lack of landing space during the transition.