Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has completed its relocation from Thruxton, Andover, to its new airbase and charity headquarters, at Southampton Airport.
Following a period of testing its operational procedures alongside the airport, air traffic control and commercial airlines, the building was officially opened on Tuesday 9 June, with the charity’s doctors, pilots and advanced paramedics responding to patients from the new base on a permanent basis.
Since its first flight in 2007, the dedicated crew members have operated out of Thruxton, near Andover. Data show that around 70% of the service’s emergencies occurred in the south of the region, nearer the more densely populated cities such as Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth as well as the Isle of Wight.
The considerable distance from its previous base in the north of the county meant crews would often spend up to 20 minutes flying to reach a patient — and the same again returning to base. That time represents fuel, funding and time that critically unwell or injured patients do not have. Preliminary data already show the teams are reaching patients far quicker than ever before.
The purchase of the building was made from the charity’s reserves, with £3.6 million raised from more than 13,000 donors to convert the site into a purpose-built airbase which was unveiled on Tuesday.
The two-storey site features a hangar to house the helicopter, a helipad, office space, aftercare facilities, on-site crew accommodation, training and briefing rooms, and a garage for the charity’s fleet of emergency response vehicles.
A dedicated visitor centre with a 150 capacity overlooks the helipad and hangar, providing an inspirational setting for the charity’s CPR training and is also available to book by the local community for corporate events, meetings and training days.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, Richard Corbett, said: “This is a monumental occasion for our charity. The support we have received from members of the public, businesses, organisations, community groups, trusts and foundations has been astonishing.
“I am incredibly grateful to each supporter, volunteer, crew member and colleague for their dedication in orchestrating this move. It has been a tremendous effort while also focusing on our primary mission of bringing exceptional critical care to people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. I would also like to thank everyone at Thruxton Motorsport Circuit, and the surrounding towns and villages, for accommodating us for the past 19 years.
“It is now our turn to repay the faith that has been placed in us and continue developing as an organisation in our new home, saving and changing lives for many years to come.”
Dan Townsend, Head of Airside Operations at Southampton Airport, said: "Following two years of hard work, teams at both HIOWAA and Southampton Airport are delighted to mark the completion and handover of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance base.
"This represents a significant milestone for both the airport and the communities we serve and reflects the highly coordinated efforts of our operational teams.
"The professionalism and commitment demonstrated throughout have ensure this vital service is now fully established, enabling faster emergency response times while continuing to operate safely and in full compliance with our aerodrome environment."
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Medical Lead, Dr Chris Hill, said: “This airbase is going to unlock so much potential for the future of our service and our patients. We have a constant drive to evolve and improve and we’re always searching for the next advantage that could make a difference to our patients. I am convinced that the opening of this airbase is going to provide just that. Thank you to everyone who has played their part.”
For more information, visit hiowaa.org