Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has completed a major redevelopment project at its operational airbase in Strensham in Worcestershire, UK.

Serving the southern region of the UK aeromedical charity's coverage area, including Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the upgraded facility has been designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve crew wellbeing and optimise the delivery of pre-hospital emergency care.

The much-needed redevelopment project was funded by a kind donation of GBP 2 million from County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal charity and undertaken by Halesowen-based A & H Construction and Developments Plc. The upgraded facility features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including expanded hangars, modern crew quarters and accommodation, and enhanced operational spaces, all designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the charity's critical services.

This vital support provided by the County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads and air ambulance bases, will significantly enhance the charity's ability to deliver lifesaving, pre-hospital critical care across the region. This is the third time that it has funded the Strensham air base, first when it opened and again in 2012.

To mark the occasion, on 30 October the Strensham airbase hosted many of the organisations that have been a part of the redevelopment journey, including County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal, Roadchef, A&H Construction and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's helicopter operating partner, Babcock. Visitors were given a tour and heard from members of crew, volunteers and former patients about the positive impact the improved facilities will have on the charity's lifesaving service.

Key features of the redevelopment include expanded hangar facilities, provision of crew quarters, enhanced training and operations rooms, updated charity space and a sustainable design. The project incorporates sustainable building practices, including energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials, reducing the environmental footprint of the airbase.

Hanna Sebright, chief executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, expresses gratitude for the support provided by the County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal: “This GBP2 million redevelopment, made possible thanks to the generous funding from the HELP Appeal, marks a transformative milestone for our charity. The upgraded facilities will not only strengthen our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and deliver lifesaving care, but also provide space to support with greater community engagement, helping us connect more meaningfully with the people we serve.”

Robert Bertram, chief executive from the County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal, comments: “This new airbase isn't just bricks and mortar; it's a lifeline. Made possible by the generosity of our supporters, it marks a new chapter for emergency care in the region and will help the crew reach patients faster and deliver critical care when it's needed most.”

As Midlands Air Ambulance Charity approaches its 35th anniversary year, the redevelopment of the Strensham airbase ensures its lifesaving pre-hospital emergency service remains at the forefront of medical response, enhancing facilities, supporting crew wellbeing and strengthening its ability to serve communities across the region for years to come.