The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) this week undertook its 5000th mission since it began operations on 1st July 2007 – averaging 60 missions each month.
The charity’s 5,000th mission was a Primary percutaneous coronary intervention patient – an elderly male who was conveyed by the Air Ambulance from St Mary’s Hospital to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. The new Helipad at St Mary’s Hospital enables patients with life threatening injuries to be flown from the Trauma Unit at St Mary’s to the Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton or to other specialist centres such as the QA. In an urgent situation the turn round time on the Helipad is around four minutes.
To mark the milestone, members of the Air Ambulance crew gathered together with Charity Patron Mrs Ailsa Montagu, Chairman Tony Nicholson and Chief Executive John Perry for a photo shoot on the Helipad at Southampton General Hospital recently. The significant achievement coincides with the appointment of Dr David Sutton to the newly created role of Clinical Governance Lead, underlining HIOWAA’s commitment to further investment in delivering clinical excellence across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Charity Patron, Mrs Ailsa Montagu commented:
“As Patron of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, I have seen outstanding progress within such a young charity, and this milestone is another remarkable achievement. I am very proud to be Patron of such a talented and dedicated team of professionals who provide this life saving service to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
Through the appointment of Doctor David Sutton, HIOWAA will enhance its clinical effectiveness by elevating the training of all medical crew-members (both doctors and paramedics). Dr Sutton will also act as the charity’s principal adviser on all medical matters, especially Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine.
Doctor Sutton commented:
“Having flown with HIOWAA as a Flight Doctor since the early days in 2008, I am delighted to have been offered the new post of Clinical Governance Lead. This is a unique opportunity to build on our experience over 5000 missions, and work alongside my medical, paramedic, pilot and Charity colleagues to continue the development of our life saving service. We are entering an exciting new phase for the Air Ambulance, with the extension of doctor-paramedic crewing, night flying and a new aircraft. Alongside these developments, we are ensuring that we are up to date with the latest medical developments to deliver the best possible care to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is simply a privilege to be involved.”
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In 2013, HIOWAA made a commitment to having a doctor on board for every mission in 2015. The charity is set to meet this target and is currently operating doctor-led crews for most missions.
Since the start of flying operations just six years ago, HIOWAA has steadily been expanding its service to the community with steps that have already included an upgraded helicopter and longer operating hours. In 2015, further developments are in the pipeline, including another helicopter upgrade to enable full night flying capability.
Chief Executive John Perry commented:
“Our 5,000th mission was a significant landmark for us. It costs in excess of £4,000 a day to keep the Air Ambulance flying, and as we expand our service, our costs are set to increase. Every day I hear stories of former patients, and of the outstanding job done by our Air Ambulance crew, and we owe our thanks to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for allowing us to continue to provide our life saving service.”
