Politicians call for expansion of Air Ambulance service

Montgomeryshire politicians, Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP, have written a letter to the Chief Ambulance Service Commissioner, Stephen Harrhy, urging that the ongoing review of the air ambulance service includes options for expanded service with additional funding from the Welsh Government.

This comes a year after leaked proposals to close the Air Ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon sparked widespread concern. In response to feedback from thousands of residents in Mid Wales, who have shown overwhelming support for retaining the Mid Wales base in Welshpool, the politicians are calling on the Chief Ambulance Service Commissioner and the Welsh Government to prioritize the improvement, rather than reduction, of air ambulance provision.

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On June 28th, 2023, Russell George MS brought up this issue with Welsh Health Minister, Eluned Morgan MS. George expressed the local community's unwavering commitment to the Air Ambulance service, highlighting the years of fundraising efforts to support it.

He emphasized the need for the Welsh Government to match the strong sentiment in rural Wales with adequate funding to ensure the service's protection.

Craig Williams MP echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that the original proposal and consultations were marred by a lack of accountability and mixed messages. He expressed satisfaction with the improved engagement process and public meetings held thus far. Williams stressed the importance of the review considering the necessary resources for expanding the service, including increased financial provision.

While understanding that the Welsh Government has various spending priorities, the politicians emphasized the high priority status given to the air ambulance service by local residents in Mid Wales.

They noted that this sentiment has been consistently expressed in public meetings and believed that every effort should be made to provide maximum assistance from the Welsh Government for such a crucial service.

Ultimately, the decision on resource allocation lies with Ministers and politicians, who must prioritize spending between different areas. However, in the case of the air ambulance service, the politicians maintained that it is essential to make every possible effort to secure increased Welsh Government support.