‘We’ll be sad to leave, but it’s best for our patients’
Air ambulance set to move to new base for larger helicopters
The boss of Kent’s air ambulance says the charity will be very sad to leave Marden as plans for a move to Medway await approval.
Last week the Kent Messenger exclusively revealed proposals for the trust, which has been based in the Weald for more than a quarter of a century, to relocate to Rochester Airport along with its 30-strong staff.
If approved the air ambulance could be setting off from Pattenden Lane for the final time later this year, with a move expected in the autumn.
The organisation had hoped to remain at their current site. But with new, larger helicopters on their way, the helipad there is not big enough.
MP for Maidstone and the Weald Helen Grant spoke to the charity’s chief executive Adrian Bell after the news broke. She said: “He has assured me they will remain in Kent but he needs to be able to run a sustainable 24-hour service.”
Marden Parish Council was also unaware of the proposals. It will be discussing the impact of the move at its meeting on Tuesday.
Mr Bell has since released a statement, saying: “We will of course be very sad to leave Marden from which we have operated for so long, and especially the people who have supported us so generously.
“We are doing his for a very good reason, however – the very tangible benefits for patients who are the most badly injured and sick patients in the pre-hospital environment and who desperately need the specialist care only we deliver in the region.”
Maidstone borough councillor for Marden and Yalding David Burton (Con) said: “It is very sad to see it is likely to be moving. I think Marden has been very proud to be home to the air ambulance for as long as it has been.
“Whenever you hear it fly past you just wonder who they’re off to help and think about what good work they are doing. It is a very positive feeling. If it does have to go I just hope it can be in the best place to give the best service to the people of Kent.”
To view the application visit tinyurl.com/KMairambulance