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Money is urgently needed to complete the second phase of the refurbishment of the Flying Christine III.
The marine ambulance is due to go to the Isle of Wight later this week for internal improvements including medical upgrades, navigation and communication equipment.
Pictured: The marine ambulance serves the whole Bailiwick.
While existing charitable funds will cover the essential internal maintenance, the escalating costs of that mean that £20,000 still needs to be found for refurbishing and painting the outside.
When the Flying Christine III was launched in 1994 it had a life expectancy of 30 years, but following a survey and subsequent feasibility report, it was decided to extend the life of the vessel by a further 10 years with an extensive refurbishment.
The first phase was completed last spring.
Ambulance and Rescue Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mapp said: "The first phase of the refit went well and within budget, however the costs associated with the second phase have risen and we have had to focus on ensuring the essential clinical and marine works are prioritised.
Pictured: Ambulance and Rescue Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mapp.
"Over the past 30 years clinical standards and infection control measures have improved, so ensuring patient safety and care is a priority.
"Ensuring the marine ambulance is able to continue providing a lifeline service, deliver high quality care and meet the high standards expected comes at a cost.
"The outside of the boat is starting to show its age and is in need of some cosmetic repairs and repainting, however without additional funds this won't happen, which is why we are appealing for urgent help to raise the final £20,000."
Pictured: The ambulance service needs to raise £20,000 to complete the refit.
Mr Mapp added: "The first phase of the refit was undertaken on-island using local contractors, however due to the need for clinical upgrades the ambulance service has decided to send the marine ambulance to the Isle of Wight for phase two.
"This will be more cost effective and timely than bringing expert ambulance coach builders and medical equipment suppliers to Guernsey.
Pictured: When the Flying Christine III was launched in 1994 it had a life expectancy of 30 years, but following a survey and subsequent feasibility report, it was decided to extend the life of the vessel by a further 10 years with an extensive refurbishment.
"By partnering with a specialised facility that possesses extensive expertise in the design, construction, maintenance and repair of workboats, we can also be confident that the intricate work required will be handled by professionals with the necessary skills and experience, minimising the risk of delays and unexpected expenses, ultimately providing better value for the charitable funds invested.
"This approach means we are committing to the long-term sustainability of the marine ambulance service, ensuring that the Flying Christine remains a reliable and vital resource for emergency medical response across the islands, maximising the benefit of the entire community."
Anyone who wishes to provide sponsorship or make a donation, can do in the following
ways:
• via the website ambulance.gg
• by sending a cheques payable to 'St John Ambulance and Rescue' to the Ambulance Station, Rohais, St Peter Port, GY1 1YN
• by emailing Ambulance.Rescue@stjohn.gg FAO Chief Ambulance Officer.
Pictured: The marine ambulance is due to go to the Isle of Wight later this week for internal improvements including medical upgrades, navigation and communication equipment.
The Flying Christine III is a specially designed marine ambulance, built with the support of public funds and donations.
The charitable asset continues to operate today through a combination of sponsorship, charges and subscriptions.
The vessel is crewed by volunteers from the local marine community and professional ambulance crews from Guernsey's ambulance service and delivers pre-hospital paramedic care and emergency transport for the sick and injured in the other islands of the Bailiwick.
Pictured: £20,000 is urgently needed to complete the second phase of the refurbishment of the Flying Christine III.
While the Flying Christine is out of the water to maintenance relief vessels will be used to maintain cover for the other islands.
Flying Christine III back in service
Straight back to work for the Flying Christine
Flying Christine III deployed three times this week
Two Sark visits for Flying Christine crew
Patients picked up in Herm and Alderney
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