2 comments so far.Improved Gozo air-ambulance service launched, with 2nd back-up aircraft
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
Steward Health Care Malta has announced the launch of an improved air-ambulance service between Gozo and Malta, with a modern air-ambulance to replace the current aircraft and the introduction of 2nd aircraft to be used as back-up.
In a statement, it said the new air-ambulance being brought in is an Airbus Helicopter EC135 type, which is the most common type of air-ambulance helicopter across the world.
The EC135 is a twin-engine light helicopter with a maximum take-off weight of 2,800 kg, which can carry one stretcher patient and up to three accompanying medical crew.
In addition to this, Steward Health Care Malta said that it will also be upgrading the service through the introduction of a back-up aircraft of a similar kind.
Dr Nadine Delicata, President of Steward Health Care Malta, explained that the current service Steward is running is already “a massive improvement on the previous arrangement which relied solely on the AFM to transport patients, and which required a clinical team from Mater Dei to be picked up from SLH Helipad prior to flying to Gozo.”
She explained that the current operation has the Steward air-ambulance permanently based in Gozo, and staffed around the clock, with clinical teams leaving with the patient from Gozo General, thus saving at least 60 minutes of precious time that is so critical to ensure improved patient outcomes.
“While our current set up is a significant improvement to the past arrangement, we wanted to go a step further in providing our community with air ambulance cover in any eventuality,” she said
Dr Nadine Delicata added that, “through the introduction of a modern aircraft, and a back-up service, we are ensuring that our people are covered when the aircraft is down for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.”
Sh added that “in this way we are not only fulfilling our obligations under the concession but going above and beyond to make sure that the highest level of care is provided to our patients, notwithstanding the cost.”
The new service is expected to come into effect as of February this year and will be run in conjunction with Gulf Med Aviation Services, a Maltese helicopter operator and maintenance provider.
At last Gozitan patients can feel safe if they need to use it.
Great step forward for patient care in Gozo! Upgrading to modern air-ambulance services will truly make a life-saving difference. Well done to all involved.