Air Ambulance may fly East Midlands base
20.08.07
The charity funded air ambulance that covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland may move to the West Midlands. The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) said operations were being reviewed and they were negotiating cover for the area with other charities.
The helicopter, currently based at East Midlands Airport, is paid for by the County Air Ambulance Trust. However, volunteer fundraisers in Leicestershire have been told not to accept any more donations for the service whilst a review of operations is undertaken.
The County Air Ambulance, which was set up in 1991, operates 3 helicopters over 11 counties including the East Midlands, West Midlands and part of Wales. The charity relies on donations to fund its operating cost of £3m each year.
Its third helicopter based at East Midlands Airport was unveiled in 1999. However and EMAS spokesman said: 'The helicopter currently serves Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands and in due course it will focus on Staffordshire and the West Midlands.'
'We are looking to take this opportunity to expand cover with existing and new partners, with no diminution of the service and strong air ambulance charities continuing to service the needs of the community.'
Tony Stimpson, a fundraiser for the County Air Ambulance, said he would work to raise money for a replacement at East Mmidlands Airport, if the current service ended. He said: 'I'm sure that there are going to be a number of companies and people in Leicestershire and Derbyshire who are prepared to come forward with donations, which will enable us to set up an independent trust.'
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