Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest rating possible. The rating is based on five standards: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led, with HIOWAA receiving ‘Outstanding’ for each category.
The inspection was conducted in October 2025, with the report stating an “exceptional standard in how the service treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion, and in how they respected people’s privacy and dignity.” It was also noted that the crew go above and beyond to for patients and their families, and that staff helped them to feel at ease and comfortable with an excellent level of care.
HIOWAA is run in partnership with University Hospital Southampton (UHS), a collaboration that was established in November 2018. Since launching the service in 2007, HIOWAA has responded to 22,000 emergencies.
“It is an exceptionally proud moment for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to receive this rating and recognition,” said Dr Simon Hughes, HIOWAA clinical lead and critical care consultant at UHS. “Every decision we make has our patients’ best interest at its core and we continually strive to improve and enhance our service. This report is testament to the immense dedication of the crew and our support staff who continually go above and beyond to provide our patients and their families with truly exceptional critical care 365 days a year.”
“This rating speaks to the determination of our clinical team to place our patients and people first,” commented Rachel Leaman, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) care group manager at UHS. “Our team is innovative and driven but also, honest and compassionate. It’s a combination which has led to fantastic service development but has also created a culture of shared purpose and support. We’re incredibly proud to serve patients across our region and delighted that the CQC recognised the outstanding clinical care that’s provided every day.”
Photo: Tim Wallace
