South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has called for urgent action following the news that the UK’s coastguard search and rescue helicopter service has suspended landings at most of Scotland’s hospital helipads because of safety concerns.

Operator Bristow has taken the action following a safety review ordered after a woman died in an accident in Devon in March 2022.

The move affects 23 Scottish hospitals, including Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

Ten Scottish hospital helicopter landing sites meet recommendations made by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and recently issued Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

Safe zones for the coastguard’s large helicopters need to be extended to protect people from the risk of “downwash” from the machines’ engines.

Colin Smyth said: “This is very worrying news.

“As a rural, coastal area, a helicopter search and rescue service is hugely important to our region.

“Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary is one of the busiest affected sites in Scotland so it’s an extremely concerning development.

“Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership say it is in discussions about the new requirements but I am calling for urgent action on this matter.

“It is not too much to say that lives may depend on it.”