Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance has returned to flight today, having been grounded over an “administrative oversight”.
The situation previously meant the service was unable to store or supply controlled drugs. As a result, the organisation stood down air ambulances on Friday 31 January.
A spokesperson explained that the organisation had failed to meet the deadline for resubmitting the application, adding that they were working alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service to find a resolution “as soon as possible”.
In a social media post issued at the time, Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance wrote: “EMAS has stood down our service over the weekend. It follows an administrative oversight which means we cannot hold controlled drugs on site. “We are in discussion with EMAS at the highest level to find a resolution as soon as possible.
“We are working closely with the Home Office on the controlled drugs licence. We are grateful to all of our valued supporters who are by our side at this time.“
An update issued today confirmed that the service had resumed dispatching air ambulances to incidents where it was required.
A joint statement shared by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance said: “Following significant clinical engagement and collaborative planning, from 14.00 hours today (Thursday 6 February 2025), EMAS resumed the dispatch of Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance resources to support the provision of clinical care.
“Both organisations will continue to work very closely together for the benefit of our communities, and to resolve the issues around the controlled drugs licence.”
Gi Grimsby News contacted Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance for further details but have yet to receive a response.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.