Trending Now - Seattle Children’s Hospital and Neighbors Revise Helicopter Policy

WHO:

The Seattle Times - Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Laurelhurst Community Council are involved in the helicopter landing policy revision.

KUOW - Lee Keller is a spokesperson for the Laurelhurst Community Council.

KUOW - Dr. Tony Woodward has been at Seattle Children’s for 20 years and has participated in discussions about helicopter landings.

WHAT:

The Seattle Times - Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Laurelhurst Community Council announced a joint statement to end a review committee and reduce community oversight of helicopter landings.

The Seattle Times - The hospital reported that in 2025, about 150 “acutely ill” patients required helicopter transport to the hospital, while 70 others were taken to Graves Field and then transported by ambulance.

KUOW - The existing agreement states that “Only the most critical and life-threatening medical emergencies shall be allowed to land at CHMC (Children’s Hospital and Medical Center).”

WHERE:

The Seattle Times - Seattle Children’s Hospital is located in Seattle, Washington.

The Seattle Times - Graves Field is located on the University of Washington campus, about a mile away from the hospital.

KUOW - The field where helicopters must land for non-urgent care is across the street from University Village and up the road from Husky Stadium.

WHEN:

The Seattle Times - The review committee was created in 1992 under a conditional use permit set by the city.

The Seattle Times - The joint statement from the hospital and the council was released on a Friday morning.

WHY:

The Seattle Times - The hospital and community council are responding to community support and concerns regarding helicopter landings, including noise and safety hazards.

KUOW - Controversy arose after a social media post from a person claiming to be a medical pilot highlighted issues with the current helicopter landing policy.

HOW:

The Seattle Times - The hospital plans to work with the city’s department of construction and inspections to recommend that the Seattle City Council take action to end the review committee.

(UPDATED May 9, 2026 11:16 UTC)

Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Laurelhurst Community Council have announced a joint statement to end a review committee and reduce community oversight of helicopter landings, a decision influenced by community support and concerns about noise and safety hazards. In 2025, approximately 150 critically ill patients required helicopter transport to the hospital, while others were taken to Graves Field and then transported by ambulance, highlighting the need for efficient emergency services. Moving forward, the hospital plans to collaborate with the city’s department of construction and inspections to recommend that the Seattle City Council take action on this matter.