On Wednesday April 10th I was delighted to pay a visit to North Weald Airfield for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT).
EHAAT's helicopters are a familiar sight in the skies over Southend, and with its popular charity shop in Eastwood, the community has always been such amazing supporters of its local life-saving charity.
During my visit, I received a personal guided tour of the air base, including the Visitor Centre and Simulation Suite, led by CEO Jane Gurney, Medical Director Dr Tony Joy, and Associate Retail Commercial Director Leila Clarke.
We talked about the critical importance of helipads regionally and nationally, and the staff emphasised the indispensable role of local support in sustaining the provision of 24/7 critical care to those in urgent need. I also had the opportunity to chat with the helicopter crew, who are dispatched an average of seven times a day and who last year, treated over 1,900 patients.
Jane Gurney told me that she was delighted I'd come to visit as they were keen to continue to build upon the great relationship they'd had with my predecessor Sir David. They explained how with significant operational and charitable expenses amounting to £1million each month, the support from local communities, including my constituents in Southend West, is essential in ensuring the continuation of their life-saving missions.
Dr Tony Joy described how important it was to be able to show me the dedication of the crew and the cutting-edge facilities, including the Simulation Suite, which plays a vital role in providing advanced training for his clinicians.
I was incredibly impressed with the dedication and professionalism of everyone I met at the EHAAT base and I pledged to do everything I can to support their incredibly important, life-saving work in the future.
