St Mary's Hospital group donate £20,000 to air ambulance

Paramedics and a doctor from the service’s critical care team yesterday received the cheque from the St Mary’s Hospital League of Friends.

The group, based at the Milton site, raised the cash through a number of fundraisers.

As well as being given the donation, the critical care team was treated to a cup of tea and slice of cake by the volunteers who provide customers with a friendly welcome and refreshments at the hospital’s shop and two coffee bars.

Profits from their work are donated to St Mary’s Hospital and other health care services.

The £20,000 will help the air ambulance buy life-saving equipment for its new vehicle including a compact ventilator, a chest compression system and a mini ultrasound unit.

League of Friends chairman David Frost said it was a great visit.

‘Our volunteer staff loved meeting members of the air ambulance team,’ he said.

‘I am delighted they have been able to see the direct results of their efforts and that the money they have helped to raise has gone to such a worthwhile cause.’

The air ambulance’s new vehicle is crewed by a doctor and specialist paramedic and works alongside the helicopter.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight chief executive Alex Lochrane said: ‘In the event of a major incident, this medical equipment can make the difference between life and death.

‘We are incredibly grateful to The League of Friends for their generosity and their championship of our service.’