Ålesund Heliport, Hospital

Historie

Ålesund Heliport, Hospital is a heliport situated on the premises of Ålesund Hospital in Ålesund, Norway. Used exclusively for air ambulance services, it is home to a AgustaWestland AW139 operated by Lufttransport on contract with the National Air Ambulance Service. The base is owned by the Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust. The base opened in 1988.HistoryThe Ministry of Health and Social Affairs appointed a commission which in 1986 recommended that a national state-funded helicopter ambulance service be established. Ålesund Central Hospital was selected as one of eight helicopter bases. Ålesund Airport, Vigra was selected as a base for a fixed-wing ambulance. Until 1992 the base covered the northern parts of Sogn og Fjordane, until the opening of Førde Heliport, Central Hospital.The first operating contract was awarded to Mørefly, including both the heliport and the airport operations, and lasted until 31 December 1992. It succeeded as renewing its contract, which lasted until 31 December 1998. However, the service was later transferred to Lufttransport, a sister company of Mørefly. Operations at this time were provided using a Eurocopter SA365. Medical personnel during this period was provided by Møre og Romsdal County Municipality, consisting of ten physicians and nine nurses, all in a half position at with the helicopter service.