WORK has begun to relocate the landing pad for helicopters at John Radcliffe Hospital to a new location.

The main helipad at the JR will move from its primary West Wing location to its secondary landing site on the large grass area near the Osler Road entrance from this week.

A spokesperson for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, confirmed that this is a temporary move for two years to ensure the safety of contractors working on the exterior of the West Wing.

This is part of the trust's cladding replacement project, but it will also allow improvement work to be carried out to the existing helipad.

ALSO READ: At least 40 people pictured at 'christening party'

Air ambulances will be landing in the new enclosure and there is a new, well-marked trackway for South Central Ambulance Service to transfer patients from the helicopters to the emergency department.

When this was first announced last month, Sam Foster, chief nursing officer for the trust, said: “We are grateful to our staff and local residents for their co-operation and patience during this project.

"We will work closely with people in the local area to make sure they are kept up-to-date and informed."

OUH said it will continue to work with local stakeholders and residents who are worried about the works throughout this project.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.