Helicopter added to the transport options for islanders needing healthcare

Monday, 3 November 2025 05:00

Isles of Scilly residents travelling for healthcare on the mainland can now benefit from helicopter travel for those most in need.

In response to feedback from islanders, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) has commissioned Penzance Helicopters for the Patient Transport Service which is operated by HTG UK will now offer helicopter travel alongside Skybus and the Scillonian ferry.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB acting Chief executive 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.”

Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, 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.”

Catherine Fuller from Healthwatch Isles of Scilly said: "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."

Naomi Page, contract manager from Health Transportation Group 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 is designed to:

Reduce the need for multi-day trips to attend hospital appointments

Coordinate travel arrangements between the Isles and the mainland

Ensure patients can access the care they need safely and on time

The Central Booking Office (CBO) will continue to manage all patient travel arrangements. The team will select the most appropriate transport option — whether by Skybus, Helicopter, or the Scillonian ferry — based on individual circumstances, appointment times, and destinations.

Booking remains unchanged.
Patients can contact the CBO on 01872 252211 to plan and manage their travel.

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