One Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter to return to duty

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance has announced that one of its helicopters will return to operation duty from tomorrow (April 25th).

The service's doctors and paramedics were redeployed back to the frontline at the beginning of the month to support the fight against Coronavirus.

But the NHS in the region has now confirmed that patients will not be sent to the new hospital for the time being, as existing hospitals continue to manage the surge in Coronavirus cases within the current intensive care capacity.

However, for now the YAA will still only be operating one of their two helicopters from their Nostell Airbase near Wakefield, whilst the second helicopter undergoes its scheduled mandatory annual service.

The service says the recent downturn in life-threatening 999 calls whilst people are isolating at home has resulted in slightly fewer call-outs.

Peter Sunderland, chairman of the YAA said it, along with the rest of the charity industry, had suffered terribly since the Coronavirus situation - losing around £420,000 for events cancelled between now and the end of summer.

New ways to fundraise, such as online activities and engagements, are being explored and anyone wishing to donate is asked to do so via www.yaa.org.uk/donate.”

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said they were extremely grateful to their partners at YAA for their understanding in recent weeks and their support for the recall of our paramedics to core duties on the ground.

"This has allowed us to build our resilience and make all the necessary preparations for the newly launched Nightingale Hospital should we be required to convey patients to this facility.''