Welshpool set to lose Air Ambulance base

Welshpool is set to be delivered a massive blow with the planned closure of the Wales Air Ambulance base at the airport.

No dates or concrete plans have been announced, but the charity said that it comes following a review of its services with a move expected to enable an additional 583 missions across Wales each year.

But it means Powys would be covered by stations in north and south Wales, with the current Welshpool staff to be co-located with the north Wales team at a location to be decided.

The news will come as a huge shock to residents who have welcomed the operation to town since 2006, raising huge amounts of money in the process.

Local politicians Craig Williams MP and Russell George MS were among the first to react with anger and have called for an emergency meeting with the Charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes. 

“I am surprised and disappointed by the news that Welshpool Air Ambulance base could be set to close under initial proposals put forward,” said Mr Williams.

“We are very proud to have an air ambulance base here in Montgomeryshire and it is an incredibly important service which is vital for rural healthcare. With Montgomeryshire and Mid Wales being some of the most sparsely populated areas in the whole of the United Kingdom, having the air ambulance based here naturally makes more sense.

“I will await to see what further analysis the Air Ambulance put forward justifying the move and am seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss their proposals.” 

Mr George added that he finds it difficult to see how the base moving “from the heart of rural Wales to North Wales will provide an improvement in service, despite what the Air Ambulance Trust has outlined in their initial proposals”. 

“It is a highly treasured asset and is one of the charities that people in Mid Wales donate to more than any other which is a testament to how valued the service is to the people of Montgomeryshire and Mid Wales,” he said.

Dr Barnes explained: “For people in Powys, it may seem counterintuitive that us moving away from their county would bring any benefits. But that is what our analysis is strongly conveying and it’s important to remember that we go to the patient, the patient doesn’t come to us.

“There is strong evidence that says this region, as well as every other part of Wales, will benefit from the proposed changes.”