Helicopter Travel Added for Isles of Scilly Patients Needing Care

Residents of the Isles of Scilly travelling to the mainland for healthcare can now benefit from helicopter transport for medical appointments, following feedback from islanders.

New Option for Patient Travel

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) has commissioned Penzance Helicopters to support the Patient Transport Service, operated by Health Transportation Group UK (HTG UK). The addition means travel options now include helicopter journeys alongside Skybus flights and the Scillonian ferry.

Acting Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB, Susan Bracefield, said:

“This is great news for islanders, and I’m delighted that we have been able to add the helicopter as a travel option for appropriate healthcare appointments, which meet the relevant criteria. This additional mode of travel will help make journeys simpler, more reliable and less disruptive for those who need to attend hospital appointments or access specialist medical care.”

Council and Community Welcome the Move

Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, Robert Francis, said:

“The Council welcomes the addition of the Helicopter as another option for islanders to use in accessing crucial health services on the mainland. This will help deliver a more robust service and reduce the worry for those who live on the Islands, often at a time when they are facing a period of concern and anxiety.”

From Healthwatch Isles of Scilly, Catherine Fuller added:

“We are so pleased to hear that the voices of our local community have been heard, and access to medical services on the mainland will now be even more accessible and reliable to those most in need. We would like to thank all services involved in making this happen.”

Coordinated and Reliable

Naomi Page, contract manager from HTG UK, said:

“By working closely with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and Penzance Helicopters, we’re ensuring that patients can travel for medical care in a way that is timely, coordinated, and responsive to their needs.”

The Patient Transport Service aims to reduce the need for multi-day trips to attend hospital appointments, coordinate travel between the Isles and the mainland, and ensure patients can access the care they need safely and on time.

All travel arrangements continue to be managed by the Central Booking Office, which will choose the most appropriate transport option—whether by Skybus, helicopter, or the Scillonian ferry—based on individual needs, appointment times, and destinations.

Patients can contact the Central Booking Office on 01872 252211 to plan and manage their travel.

📷Photo Credit: Penzance Helicopters