BASILDON Hospital’s lifesaving capabilities have been boosted by a brand new helipad at a golf course..

Patients in need of treatment will now swoop in and land at Basildon Golf Club after the previous helipad at the South Essex College Nethermayne site was lost.

Golf club director Colin Jenkins said the club were more than happy to offer the land.

With the hospital as one of the busiest in the region, offering specialist cardiothoracic treatment, the move will allow those in desperate need of treatment to receive it as soon as possible.

There are long term plans for a helipad on the hospital site.

Cliff Gale, of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, said: “After successful campaigning from the community and a strong proposal submission from Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals Trust, we are thrilled to be able to use the new helipad at Basildon Golf Course.

“Due to the nature of our work, Basildon is one of the most frequented hospitals in the region. For those patients who are critically ill or injured and require the best possible care for cardiothoracic issues, Basildon is the most suitable place for them, and we are glad we can continue to cater for these patients effectively.

“We cannot thank the partners enough, especially Basildon Golf Course for hosting the helipad and Natta and Redrow Homes for constructing it.”

Mr Jenkins added: “We are delighted to have been able to help to supply the necessary land for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. They do a fantastic job and are now occupying a piece of ground that we are currently not using. It is close to the hospital and we hope it will save many lives.”

Natta Building Company constructed the helipad free of charge.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “Thank you to Natta Building Company and Basildon Golf Course for making the helipad a reality.

“We are currently updating our estates strategy for Basildon Hospital site and we will be working with our EHAAT colleagues to place a permanent helipad on hospital grounds in the future.”