Priority Ambulance’s Post

Every second is critical in a healthcare emergency. With fewer than one in ten people surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, quick access to defibrillation and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can make all the difference. The emergency services do a great job of looking after us, but with pressures at an all-time high, the extra support given by NHS ambulance charities has never been more important. Our Community Resilience programme is going to help by providing continued support for lifesaving Community First Responder volunteers, raising public awareness of how to respond in an emergency, and helping people to stay fit and healthy so they’re less likely to need support in the first place. By helping people to stay well and learn basic lifesaving skills, together we can take pressure off the #NHS and ultimately save lives. 💙 #WorldHeartDay #WorldHeartDay2024 #Heart #HeartHealth

As the General Election approaches, we’re calling on all political parties in Westminster to stand behind the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Did you know that you may have local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates and party volunteers knock on your door to discuss why you should vote for them and their party?   By using our suggested doorstep campaigning toolkit, you can effectively highlight air ambulance key issues with local candidates right at your doorstep, if air ambulance charities are close to your heart. Our four key issues that you can discuss are:   1. Access to, and Safeguarding of, Hospital Helipads and Community Landing Sites We want to ensure that all new and existing Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals in the UK have 24/7 accessible on-site helipads. We are urging Local Planning Authorities to develop a specialised safeguarding process to protect hospital helipads. We are aiming to ensure that air ambulance charities are involved in planning discussions about hospital helipads and community landing sites.   2. Increased Demand and Increased Cost Air ambulance charities are experiencing greater demand and higher operational expenses. It is crucial that the next UK Government supports them in obtaining UK-wide grants and capital funding to help them meet the growing demand and costs.   3. Safe Access to Patient Data To support air ambulance charities to continue to improve patient care and outcomes, we want to make sure they have safe and secure access to NHS patient data.   4. Statutory Levy for Lotteries We want the next UK Government to agree to a zero rate of statutory levy on lotteries and advocate for the continuation of voluntary contribution - recognising the unique contributions lotteries make to charitable causes. You have the power to help air ambulance charities to save even more lives and remain at the forefront of pre-hospital care. Every voice counts in calling for action. Join us in urging all political parties to commit to supporting the UK’s air ambulances.    You can access our Doorstep Campaigning Toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/d_FgKw4m #SavingMoreLivesTogether #AirAmbulances #GeneralElection #DoorstepCampaigning 

How can upgraded helipads improve patient outcomes in critical emergencies? The HELP Appeal - County Air Ambulance Trust, the only U.K. charity solely dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads, has donated over £288,000 to support the construction of a state-of-the-art helipad at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. This new facility will accommodate larger helicopters and enable faster patient transfers to specialist departments, enhancing emergency care for critically ill patients. Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, highlighted that this project was made possible by the generosity of donors, ensuring the helipad meets today’s standards while improving patient safety and efficiency. The new helipad will feature advanced lighting for night landings and safety measures like enhanced fencing. Grace Broughton, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Capital Project Manager, shared that the helipad is expected to serve around 40 patients annually and will fully comply with current safety regulations. The facility is set to be operational by December 23, 2024. What role do you think dedicated helipads play in saving lives during critical emergencies? For more insights, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/gd-gqQJm #AvfoilNews #HELPAppeal #GlenfieldHospital #EmergencyHealthcare #HelipadFunding #RobertBertram #GraceBroughton #NHS #AviationInHealthcare #CriticalCare #CharitySupport

In anticipation of the upcoming UK General Election, we are urging all political parties to commit to addressing the key challenges affecting air ambulance charities across the UK. 1. Hospital Helipads and Community Landing Sites Ensure that all new and existing UK Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals (such as cardiac centres) have 24/7 accessible on-site primary hospital helipads. Assist Local Planning Authorities in developing a specialised safeguarding process to protect UK-wide hospital helipads against adverse effects from planning and developments. Establish an efficient consultation pathway to proactively engage Air Ambulances UK and air ambulance charities in strategic planning discussions, concerning hospital helipads and community landing sites in the UK. 2. Patient Data Secure safe access to NHS patient data for air ambulance charities to enable them to gain further insight into the full patient pathway and ultimately the patient outcome.  3. Increased Demand and Cost Support the air ambulance community to enhance methods of income generation through distribution of UK-wide grants and capital funding, ensuring that air ambulance charities can operate effectively with equitable service provision to continue to meet the surge in demand and increased operational costs.  4. Statutory Levy Oppose the proposed statutory levy of 0.1% of 'gross gambling yield' (GGY) on lotteries. Advocate for a zero rate of statutory levy for lotteries and a continuation of the current system of voluntary contributions, in recognition of the unique contribution lotteries make to charitable causes, such as air ambulances.  Together, we can make a real difference to enable air ambulance charities to save even more lives and remain at the forefront of pre-hospital care, helping to reduce loss of life in people with life-threatening injuries or a medical emergency. You can play your part and help support Air Ambulances UK and the UK’s Air Ambulance charities by sharing this post! Together, let's make a difference! #AirAmbulances #GeneralElection #Manifesto #SavingLives

🚁 Did you know that during critical moments, Air Ambulance charities collaborate with other emergency services to provide the highest quality patient care? 🚑 Their collaboration with fellow emergency responders is essential for providing exceptional care, which ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes! 🤝 #AirAmbulancesUK #AirAmbulances #EmergencyServices #Teamwork

UK Hospice Awarded £100 Million for Upgrades Hospice across the UK have been provided with inputs of £100 million in order to enhance provision for adult and children’s hospices. A further £6.25 million will also maintain the Children’s Hospice Grant in 2025/26. This funding will assist in improving the care and support provided to families and patients in these crucial services. Hospice UK Visit: https://lnkd.in/gh8Uapdf #HospiceCare #UKHospices #ChildrensHospices #AdultHospices #HealthcareFunding #PatientSupport #FamilyCare #ImprovingCare #HealthcareServices #ChildrenHospiceGrant #FundingForCare 

How has an innovative rooftop helipad transformed emergency care at King’s College Hospital? Celebrating its eighth anniversary, the King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust rooftop helipad has been a vital addition to South East London’s emergency response capabilities. Since 2016, over 2,660 air ambulance landings—primarily from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, and London Air Ambulance Service—have significantly reduced critical transfer times. Previously, patients required up to 25 minutes to reach critical care; with the helipad, this has dropped to just five minutes, saving countless lives. Funded by a £2.75 million donation from the HELP Appeal - County Air Ambulance Trust, the helipad also introduced the U.K.'s first Deck Integrated Fire Fighting System (DIFFS), enabling rapid fire response. Robert Bertram, chief executive of HELP Appeal, highlights the helipad as a testament to collaboration between the charity, the hospital, and air ambulance services to deliver fast, life-saving care. Could faster access to critical care facilities redefine emergency healthcare outcomes? For further insights, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/gBxjjp5N #KingsCollegeHospital #AirAmbulance #HELPAppeal #EmergencyResponse #CriticalCare #MedicalInnovation #AvfoilNews #Helipad #HealthcareInnovation

Well done to all.

We need the next UK Government to act and help air ambulances across the UK to secure safe access to NHS patient data. Air ambulance charities prioritise delivering the best possible patient care. Access to patient data after they transition to NHS services is essential for air ambulance charities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire patient journey, learn from patient outcomes, and improve aftercare support. We’re calling for the next UK Government to: 1. Support Air Ambulances UK with engagement and collaboration with NHS England to secure safe access to patient data for air ambulance charities. 2. Support Air Ambulances UK to ensure that air ambulance charities have a seat at their Integrated Care System Board; to be involved in conversations about the system response to patient need in their local communities and to ultimately provide the right care in the right place. If you want to support the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulances, you can sign our open letter to the next UK Prime Minister here: https://buff.ly/3KHycgA Share this post, spread the word, and let's make a difference together! #SavingMoreLivesTogether #GeneralElection #AirAmbulances #Data #PatientCare

Hospital #Governance Explained. Governance is the #rules for an organization that dictate how the organization is directed and #controlled. As part of #hospital governance, hospitals must have a 'Corporate Purpose.' The corporate purpose of a 5019(c)(3) not-for-profit hospital must be #Charity... typically in the form of 'health for the community.' The #BoardOfDirectors has authority over the hospital, but that Board itself is held accountable. At #ForProfit hospitals, the Board is accountable to the shareholders. At #NotForProfit hospitals, the State Attorney General, Religious Congregations (for faith-based hospitals) and Creditors can hold Boards accountable. Board Directors are #Fiduciaries... meaning they must put the interest of the hospital first and they have three duties: 1) Duty to #Care: They must be informed and question management 2) Duty of #Loyalty: They must disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decisions when there is a conflict. 3) Duty of #Obedience: They must obey the corporate purpose. The American Hospital Association itself said that 'understanding to whom a hospital is accountable is more #challenging.' Is it patients, employees, the medical staff, others? While doctors and healthcare professionals may be very clear that they are first and foremost accountable to #PATIENTS... it is important to understand that hospitals may not have such clarity. Sources at AHealthcareZ YouTube Channel.