As a former medical officer in the British Army and having worked in the Major Trauma Service at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP has frequently worked alongside the Air Ambulance. He has seen first-hand the incredibly important work they do in stabilising and transferring critically injured patients to hospital in a timely manner.
However, on Friday 5th July 2024, only a few hours after being elected, Neil had an even more personal experience with the Air Ambulance service and its crew when his mother was involved in an accident.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP said:
Shortly after I returned home, I received the call that we all dread. My mother had been involved in a serious road traffic accident.
I was able to arrive on scene as the Air Ambulance crew were extracting her from the vehicle and ensuring she was in a stable condition. Due to the incredibly professional way in which she was cared for, she was able to be transferred to UHB swiftly, where she continued to receive excellent care.
I am in no doubt that the actions of the Air Ambulance crew ensured her condition was optimised prior to transfer.
During my time as a Member of Parliament, I have heard similar experiences from constituents on how Air Ambulances have impacted upon their lives.
That’s why, as a Member of Parliament, I look forward to working closely with the Air Ambulances on the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Air Ambulances when it is re-established later this year. These helicopters and their incredible crew are funded by the goodwill of the public, such as my constituents in Solihull, who raised over £11,500 at Solihull Summer Fest for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
I will be championing the needs of all our Air Ambulances: from campaigning for greater helipad availability to ensuring access to patient data. I will use my participation in this APPG to support our Air Ambulances, so they can continue to save lives.”
