Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has moved away from their home of nearly 20 years on the Wiltshire border.
The life-saving charity recently relocated to a brand new purpose-built base at Southampton Airport at a cost of around £13 million.
HIOWAA had previously operated out of Thruxton Aerodrome near Andover, which is less than two miles from Wiltshire as the crow (or helicopter) flies.
Since the move, air ambulance medics have attended around 120 emergency calls – with early indications suggesting response times have already improved across Hampshire.
However, the distance will result in significantly slower response times if the team are required at an incident in Wiltshire. Though this has been relatively infrequently.
The two-storey airbase includes a helicopter hangar, helipad, crew accommodation, office space, aftercare facilities, training and briefing rooms, and a garage for the charity’s fleet of rapid response vehicles.
The site was purchased using £9.2 million from reserves, with a further £3.6 million raised for interior fit-out works through the Operation Airbase appeal.
A dedicated visitor centre – which has the capacity to host up to 150 people – gives supporters a chance to overlook the helipad and hangar, as well as a space to host free CPR Skills for Life sessions.
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.”
HIOWAA 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.”
