9th Jan 2019
The Duke of Cambridge has today become Patron of London's Air Ambulance's 30th anniversary campaign. The campaign aims to highlight the charity’s vital work in delivering life-saving treatment across London, and raise support for the development of new facilities.
The patronage was announced ahead of His Royal Highness’ visit to the London’s Air Ambulance base at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel on 9th January. The visit saw The Duke meet with clinicians, paramedics, pilots and crew members, to learn more about the challenges of working as a first responder in the capital.
Prior to the establishment of the Charity in 1989, many seriously injured patients lost their lives unnecessarily because of the delay in receiving prompt and appropriate medical care. Since its inception, London’s Air Ambulance Charity has brought the hospital emergency department to the scene of incidents across London, providing vital treatment to the 10 million people who live and work in the city.
Through his work as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, The Duke has seen first-hand the impact these first responders have upon the lives of patients with critical injuries. As Patron of the 30th anniversary campaign, The Duke will champion those working on the frontline, and highlight the importance of London’s Air Ambulance’s rapid response to incidents, and cutting-edge medical care.
Dr Gareth Davies, Medical Director, London’s Air Ambulance Charity said;
“For 30 years London's Air Ambulance has been looking after the people of London. In that time we have treated nearly 40,000 critically injured patients and have become a world leading service that is a vital part of London’s emergency response.
It is humbling to have the support of The Duke of Cambridge this year to help us champion those working on the frontline and highlight the importance of our work.
We can all be very proud of what we have achieved in our first 30 years and can now look to the future for the next clinical developments that will help us create the next generation of survivors.”
Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, said:
“We are delighted that The Duke of Cambridge has accepted the role of Patron of the London’s Air Ambulance 30th Anniversary Campaign. Through his support, we aim to raise awareness of the life-saving work carried out by us and by air ambulances across the UK.
“Our crew face significant challenges when delivering our rapid response and cutting-edge medical treatments in London. Through funds raised in our 30th year, we plan to improve our facilities to ensure we can respond even faster, enhance our training and ensure our crews have the facilities they need for their mental health and well being.”
Alwen Williams, Chief Executive of Barts Health NHS Trust said;
“We are delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge to The Royal London Hospital today to mark the 30th anniversary of London's Air Ambulance charity, founded by staff at this very hospital.
If it wasn't for the foresight of our visionary colleagues, we wouldn't be marking this special milestone today. I am proud that our doctors continue to push boundaries working with London's Air Ambulance and London Ambulance Service to provide life-saving care at the roadside 24 hours a day.”
London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London. It was founded in 1989 and to date has treated over 38,500 critically injured people and attended most major incidents in London. London’s Air Ambulance operates in partnership with both Barts Health NHS Trust and the London Ambulance Service.