Welshpool Air Ambulance recommended for closure

Newtown residents are concerned for the future of the Welshpool air ambulance base after a recent recommendation called for its closure.

This decision comes as a result of last year's public engagement, where two alternatives were proposed that would lead to the closure of both the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases.

Instead, the recommendation suggests that the crews be redeployed from Rhuddlan in north Wales, despite other options presenting superior medical outcomes.

The public engagement was conducted by Chief Ambulance Service Commissioner, Stephen Harrhy, and consisted of public meetings as well as written and verbal feedback from hundreds of residents in Powys.

Unfortunately, regardless of the chosen option, optima's analysis revealed that people in Gwynedd, Ceredigion, and west Powys would experience longer response times and a decrease in services throughout the year.

Reacting to the news, Russell George MS said:

"Disappointing news ahead of the final Air Ambulance engagement phase - options favour closing Welshpool's base.

"We have known for some time that six shortlisted options for the future of Wales Air Ambulance base locations were being considered - including closing bases, opening a new base in the north and other configurations."

"We had anticipated that these options would be clearly spelled out in the final phase of the engagement process so the public could comment on their preference. The new papers that have become public, show us, that despite six options remaining, the two that have been identified as the strongest options, would both see the Welshpool base close. "

"Throughout this long and turbulent process, the public's view has been overwhelmingly united towards preserving the current arrangements. We need a powerful local show of support for an option to keep Welshpool's base in the final phase, which will run between February 1st to 29th. I will keep working with Craig Williams MP and other local campaigners to make clear which option best achieves this so you can join us in this vital last stage. Please keep an eye out for further details."

Out of the options presented, Mr. Harrhy's team favored 'option 3D,' which entailed merging the bases near the A55 at Rhuddlan and implementing two shifts from 8am to 8pm and 2pm to 2am. However, analysis indicated that this option would only be the third best in terms of improved medical outcomes.

Plaid Cymru proposed an alternative option that gained cross-party support from Montgomeryshire's Conservative representatives, Craig Williams MP and Russell George MS. This plan entailed keeping the bases open and adding a vehicle to serve northern Wales.

Analysis showed that this was the only plan that did not disadvantage any area of Wales and was preferred by the public. A final public engagement will take place next month, offering an opportunity for individuals to voice their opinions on the matter.

Ultimately, the EASC will make the final decision, which may consider other options. Nevertheless, the current recommendations indicate that the Welshpool base may face closure once the existing lease expires in 2026.