The helipad at the new Accident and Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital Bristol has had its first successful test landing.

At around 2.45pm on Friday, May 16 the Great Western Air Ambulance landed at the site.

Martin Warren, Logistics Manager for the Move, said: “This is a landmark moment ahead of the Accident and Emergency department opening here at Southmead at 2am on Monday, May 19.

“What now follows is testing of communications between the air ambulance and the Trust and the transfer of patients from the helicopter into the unit.”

Clinical Support Officer John Wood from Great Western Air Ambulance Service, said: “It is important for us to test new helipads before we land with patients. This lets us check everything is working. The test flight went smoothly and we are pleased with it.”