Wilson-Thomson Helipad

The Wilson-Thomson Helipad, situated directly at the Mull and Iona Community Hospital, represents a critical advancement in emergency healthcare provision for the islands. This state-of-the-art facility significantly enhances the speed and efficiency with which patients requiring urgent specialist treatment can be transferred. Its design allows larger Scottish Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard helicopters to land safely at any time, a crucial capability that greatly reduces response times for medical emergencies on Mull and Iona.

The strategic location of this landing platform directly beside the hospital eliminates the previous need for patients to endure a 15-minute land ambulance transfer to the more distant Glenforsa airstrip. This streamlined process is vital for ensuring patients can reach specialist care within the critical “Golden Hour”—a period widely recognized in emergency medicine as crucial for improving patient outcomes in time-sensitive situations. The helipad therefore plays an indispensable role in strengthening the islands’ healthcare infrastructure.

Crucially, the entire £418,000 cost of the helipad was fully funded by the HELP Appeal, demonstrating significant charitable support for remote healthcare. The Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) has taken ownership, assuming responsibility for its ongoing maintenance, including insurance, repairs, and daily checks performed by a dedicated team of volunteers from Craignure. This collaborative effort underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring essential medical access for all residents and visitors to the islands.