THE helipad on the roof of Scotland's newest and largest hospital has been used for the first time.
The first of two dry-runs, ahead of the opening of the new £842m South Glasgow University Hospital, took place in reasonably fine weather conditions and appeared to be executed smoothly.
Patients will begin moving into the hospital - one of the biggest in the UK - at the end of April and it will start treating emergency cases in early May.
The new South Glasgow University Hospital will be one of Scotland's major trauma centres and the helipad - which can take a wide range of emergency aircraft - is expected to receive 500-600 landings a year.
The helipad is on a platform above the roof of the 14 storey hospital tower block and after landing, patients will be wheeled down a ramp to a lift shaft which takes them directly to the accident and emergency department.
Seriously ill adults and children will be whisked to the new hospital by helicopter as well as mothers from remote locations destined for the maternity unit.
Garry Fraser, general manager for the Scottish Air Ambulance Service, said: "I think it is a really positive step. It gives us really easy access into what is going to be one of Scotland's leading trauma centres. It is good for us and good for the patients as well."
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