Seriously-ill patients are to be flown between hospitals during the hours of darkness, after a decision by air ambulance bosses to extend the flying hours of the Cosford-based helicopter service.

The county air ambulance says it is about to take another significant step towards improving patient care with the start of a 16-hour day, seven-day-a-week air operation across the region.

Flight crews currently operate a 14-hour service.

With the start of the new operation from May 1, the helicopter service based at RAF Cosford will introduce a shift system, with two teams of pilots, paramedics and doctors working a 16-hour day.

In readiness for the extended service, the helicopter base is being equipped with new landing lights required for night flying.

The air ambulance also aims to have helicopter pad lighting available near each of its major receiving hospitals.

Ian Clayton, air ambulance operations manager said: “We are finalising our preparations to commence a 16-hour daily operation.

“This will result in the public receiving a much improved medical service, available to respond to serious incidents between 6am until 10pm.

“Part of our work will also focus on the rapid transfer of patients between specialist hospitals in the region, with some critically ill casualties being airlifted during the hours of darkness.”

The air ambulance airlifts more than 3,500 patients each year.

The number of flying missions is expected to increase further this year. It costs about £24 a minute to keep the aircraft flying.