Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) today launches its biggest ever fundraising appeal to raise millions to relocate its airbase to a site close to Southampton Airport, the Daily Echo can reveal.
We're throwing our weight behind Operation Airbase - Save Time, Save Lives, the lifesaving charity's £3.6 million appeal for its airbase and charity headquarters, a move described as 'the single biggest leap forward' in the charity's history.
The £9 million needed to acquire the building has already been raised, but millions more are needed to convert and equip the site into a purpose-built hangar and office, including the additions of a helipad and hangar doors.
READ MORE: Family run city eatery named best new Indian in the UK
Donate at hiowaa.org/appeal
HIOWAA is moving from its current airbase in Thruxton, Andover, where it has been based since 2007, to a site near Southampton Airport.
The move will mean doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of take-off – in contrast to the current time of 20 minutes or more for some.
Around 70 per cent of the charity’s call-outs are to the south of the region - Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – a considerable distance from the current airbase which sits on the north-western edge of Hampshire.
Reduced excess flying and driving time to and from Thruxton will drastically improve response times and minimise flying and travel time – allowing the teams to be restocked, refuelled and ready to respond to more emergencies than ever before.
The relocation of both the operational and administrative arms of the service will bring the two teams under on one roof – cutting down the costs of leasing two separate buildings.
Dr Simon Hughes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance clinical lead, said: "This move will be the single biggest leap forward in our 17-year history.
"It has long been a dream of our team to operate from a location that is truly central within our community.
"From day one in our new home, response times will be faster, patient outcomes will be better – and lives will be saved that would otherwise have been lost."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel