Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance aims to raise £3.6m for new HQ

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has launched its biggest ever fundraising appeal after plans for a new airbase in Southampton were given the green light.

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

HIOWAA has been based at Thruxton in Andover since 2007.

But 70 per cent of its callouts are to locations in the south of the county – Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

Moving to a new location near Southampton Airport means the air ambulance will be able to reach almost every potential patient within 10 minutes of takeoff, where some callouts currently take 20 minutes or longer.

This would also allow the volunteer teams to better restock and refuel between flights, helping them respond to more emergencies.

The charity’s administrative arm would also make the move to Southampton, putting the two teams under one roof to save costs.

CEO Richard Corbett said: “When seriously ill and injured patients need urgent critical care, our doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics are ready to provide life-saving 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, clinical lead, added: “This move will be the single biggest leap forward in our 17-year history.

“It’s 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.”  

As part of Operation Airbase – Save Time, Save Lives, the charity is seeking partnerships with businesses, clubs and groups.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is the nominated charity for this year’s Hampshire Business Awards.

To find out more or donate, visit hiowaa.org/appeal