Further growth for Cornwall Air Ambulance as HQ extension work takes place

Extension work is underway at the Cornwall Air Ambulance headquarters to help future-proof the charity’s operations.

As the service marks its 35th year, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) has been busy planning for the years ahead, ensuring it continues to serve the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. A major part of this is the extension to the charity’s headquarters building at Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is now taking shape.

Over the years as the charity has grown and extended its operations; with the purchase of a AW169 helicopter and increased operating hours from 12 to 19 per day, it became apparent the current building was no longer fit for purpose.

In 2019, CAAT was awarded grant funding of £897,700 from the Department of Health and Social Care towards a proportion of the building costs for a new crew facility. While the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the start of the project, work is now well underway to extend the existing infrastructure.

The new development will provide better training facilities, a significantly improved operations room, and more rest areas for the aircrew.

Alf Evans, Head of Operations at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “The new three-storey building will provide the crew with immersive training rooms, study areas, welfare area and quiet areas for some much-needed downtime after emergency missions. It will ensure the aircrew has the best resources to continue to provide the best possible service to the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which is the focus of everything we do at Cornwall Air Ambulance.

“Importantly, it will also future proof the charity’s operations, allowing for further growth where needed.”

The works, which are being carried out by local firm Brady Construction Services, are due to finish in spring 2023.

Cornwall Air Ambulance responds to around 1,100 missions every single year, providing critical care to patients who are seriously sick or injured.

It costs nearly £5m a year to keep the charity running and we rely on the generosity of the people of Cornwall and beyond to keep your helicopter flying.

You can support the lifesaving work of Cornwall Air Ambulance here www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org.