We have today launched a public consultation regarding a potential new airbase and headquarters in Southampton, near Southampton Airport.

Our entire service is currently based across two locations, with the operations side including the helicopter and medical teams, based at Thruxton Circuit, Andover, and our charity team based at Nursling, Southampton.

Moving to a central location will dramatically reduce response rates and minimise flying and travel time.

This means our crews will be able to get to patients far quicker and be restocked, refuelled, and ready to respond to the next emergency call – saving precious minutes that could spell the difference between life and death.

We have identified a site at George Curl Way adjacent to Southampton Airport that would be ideal for a new headquarters which would also bring everyone together under one roof.

In 2023, we responded to 1,842 missions.

A new headquarters will ensure the future of our charity – allowing us to continue our lifesaving work.

It will also present opportunities to create an aftercare facility, delivering follow-up care for those who have previously received emergency critical care, and collaborate with like-minded organisations working in the field of emergency medicine.

The preferred site at George Curl Way is previously developed, with an existing building on the land.

Before submitting an application to Eastleigh Borough Council, we need your feedback. As a result, a community consultation is being held that features a drop-in session at Eastleigh Football Club, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, on Tuesday 5 March 2024 from 4pm to 8pm.

For those unable to attend the event, a virtual consultation is taking place on the project’s website, hiowaa.your-feedback.co.uk, where the same information will be displayed and comments can be submitted until Sunday 17 March 2024.

Richard Corbett, our Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Demand is rising for our vital lifesaving work, but presently, our helicopter is located in the northwest corner of Hampshire, further from the majority of our missions than our preferred site.

“Moving would reduce response and flying times, and enable us to locate all our valued staff under one roof in purpose-built facilities that will allow us to continue our crucial work for years to come.

“The new headquarters would also open the door to providing other services, such as aftercare.

“We want to be good neighbours, as a result, we are keen to hear from residents and other important local stakeholders regarding our proposed new headquarters and would encourage people to take part in our community consultation.”

For more information, or to have your say, visit: hiowaa.your-feedback.co.uk