The lifesaving capabilities of an East Anglian charity have been boosted with the opening of a new lit landing pad at a Norfolk hospital.

Eastern Daily Press: The East Anglian Air Ambulance on the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital helipadThe East Anglian Air Ambulance on the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital helipad (Image: Archant)

The helipad has been officially opened at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital which means patients will be able to receive treatment whether they become sick or injured during the day or night.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance began flying to patients during the hours of darkness earlier this year after receiving the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority to start night flying.

The charity has now begun landing at the Colney hospital after a new helipad was constructed as part of the building of a new radiotherapy building at the site. Due to new external lighting, the helipad can now be used during the hours of darkness as well as during the day.

Tim Page, chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: 'The opening of this helipad is great news for the people of Norfolk and the surrounding area. Now that we are able to land here at any time of the day or night means that patients who are seriously ill or injured can be airlifted to hospital ensuring they get to theatre as quickly as possible.'

'We intervene a lot at the incident scene and can perform many procedures which you would normally only find in an A&E department but sometimes patients do need to get in to surgery quickly and the opening of this new pad means that we are able to play our part in helping them do that.'

The lifesaving charity began operating during the hours of darkness at the end of May. To date, over 40 missions have been carried out by the East Anglian Air Ambulance at night.

Simon Wardale, facilities and services contract manager at the NNUH said: 'We are pleased the enhanced helipad will enable the East Anglian Air Ambulance to operate for longer hours so patients can quickly access the expert care and facilities they need, no matter what time of the day or night it is.'

The Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News launched the LifeSaver campaign last year to raise funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which relies on donations of around £6m a year to keep in the air.

The appeal aims to raise funds for vital equipment such as blood analysers that cost £5,000 each, an ultrasound machine, costing £20,000, and new ventilator, which costs £20,000.

Cheques, made payable to the 'East Anglian Air Ambulance' should be sent to Eastern Daily Press appeal, East Anglian Air Ambulance, Hangar E, Gambling Close, Norwich Airport, Norwich NR6 6EG.