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Local MP pays tribute to Leicestershire air ambulance charity for work during pandemic

Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen today paid tribute to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance for their work to reach patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During a visit to the charity’s base at East Midlands Airport, Mr Bridgen spoke to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance staff about how they have continued to reach emergencies across Leicestershire despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.

The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, which provides a rapid response to 2300 trauma and medical emergencies across the region each year, was recently awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Award at the LeicestershireLive Heroes Awards. The award recognised Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance’s doctors, pilots and critical care paramedics for their efforts to continue their work together with frontline NHS services during the pandemic.

Following the visit, Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire said: “I am so grateful to all of the staff at the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance for their continued commitment to saving lives. It is essential that the people of Leicestershire have access to this service and we must continue to support them at such a difficult time.” 

Phil Bridle, Head of Operations, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, said: “It is always a privilege to welcome Andrew Bridgen to our base to showcase the incredible work of our dedicated teams of doctors, pilots and critical care paramedics. Andrew is always extremely supportive of our cause and the hard work we undertake as a charity.

“We are extremely grateful to have been able to continue our service in partnership with the local NHS emergency services during the pandemic. Not only has the charity had to deal with the logistical challenges presented by operating in a Covid-secure way, but we have also faced financial pressures as a result of our traditional fundraising avenues being cancelled.”