Refurbished air ambulance base 'best in country' (From Evesham Journal)

Refurbished air ambulance base 'best in country'

7:10pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Evesham By Catherine Phillips, Reporter

REVAMP: Hannah Sebright, Midlands Air Ambulance chief executive, left, at the opening with Andrea Morgan, mayor of Upton-upon-Severn, Councillor Robert Adams, fund-raiser Jenny Ashman and crew members. Picture by Nick Toogood.

STUDENT paramedics could potentially be trained at the air ambulance airbase, which has just undergone a £200,000 refurbishment.

Fund-raising director Jason Levy revealed the proposals as new facilities at the Midlands Air Ambulance Stensham airbase were opened.

The revamp includes new crew accommodation, a hangar and modification to the helipad to assist in possible future emergency night flights.

Mr Levy said there was a portable cabin which could be transformed into a £25,000 education and visitor hub.

It could hold about 15 trainee paramedics studying at university and it is hoped it will be fitted with computer equipment and a spectators’ gallery.

Mr Levy said: “Since the improvements, we have facilities now that, in our view, are probably the best in the country and we can add to that.

“It is £25,000 we haven’t budgeted for and we are hoping to get funding and support.”

A campaign is expected to be launched next month with the charity hoping to talk to the University of Worcester about supporting the project, which could be completed by the end of the year.

The opening of the new airbase was attended by local dignitaries, including Worcestershire County Council chairman Councillor Rob Adams.

Coun Adams said the charity was very important to him as it had come to his rescue about eight years ago when a horse came down on him, breaking his ribs and causing a shoulder injury.

Upton-upon-Severn Mayor Coun Andrea Morgan, who was also there, said: “The new base is really just amazing.

“It’s great to see the facilities, which will help the tremendous work they do.”

Hanna Sebright, Midlands Air Ambulance chief executive, said the work had lifted the crews’ moral.

She said: “When you think that this airbase is 16 years old and in that time the demand for services have grown so much, it is so exciting to be a part of this change.”