Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance launches appeal to relocate airbase

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has launched its biggest ever fundraising appeal, Operation Airbase, to raise £3.6 million for its air base and charity headquarters. 

The charity has already raised the £9 million needed to acquire the building, but needs a further £3.6 million to convert and equip the site into a purpose-built hangar and office, including the additions of a helipad and hangar doors.

The move will mean doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of takeoff – in contrast with the current time of 20 minutes or more for some.

Most (70%) of the charity’s callouts are to the south of the region: Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – a considerable distance from the current air base, which sits on the northwestern edge of Hampshire.

Reduced excess flying and driving time to and from the air base will drastically improve response times and minimize flying and travel time – allowing the helicopters to be restocked, refueled 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 one roof – cutting the costs of leasing two separate buildings.

Richard Corbett, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, said: “When seriously ill and injured patients need urgent critical care, our doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics are ready to provide lifesaving treatment. They can only do so thanks to the kindness and generosity we are shown every single day by our remarkable supporters. This ambitious move is only possible because we know we have their unwavering backing.”

Dr Simon Hughes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Clinical Lead, added: “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.”