Ambulance chiefs have unveiled plans for a major boost to the Shropshire-based air ambulance - and the Shropshire Star’s Flying Doctor Appeal is to be a key part.
Under the proposals, the daily flying hours of the lifesaving helicopter at RAF Cosford will be increased from 10 to 16, and an on-board Flying Doctor will join the crew at all times, giving the aircraft a heightened level of medical skills.
The skills of the helicopter’s paramedics are also to be improved to the level of critical care practitioners, allowing them to deal with many more types of injuries and work with the Flying Doctor on more complex procedures.
The cost of the improvements announced by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which runs and manages the air ambulance - although the helicopter is entirely funded by money raised by the public - will mean an investment of £600,000.
The Shropshire Star’s Flying Doctor Appeal will be a key part of the fundraising needed to pay for the improvements.
Air ambulance operations manager Ian Clayton said today: “The Flying Doctor Appeal by the Shropshire Star is imperative in raising the money to put a doctor on the aircraft as part of the proposals.”
* Read all about our appeal here and print off a donation form here.
* Have you got something planned to support our Flying Doctor Appeal? Then don’t forget to let us know about it so we can highlight your effort. Drop a line to: Toby Neal, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire TF1 5HU, phone (01952) 241458, or e-mail tneal@shropshirestar.co.uk
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