One last push to save Welshpool Air Ambulance base

23/05/2023 @ 10:42

The fight to save Welshpool’s Air Ambulance base enters its final fortnight for the public to make sure their voices are heard as part of the process.

Some of the public meetings held across Mid and North Wales have been poorly attended, with only 11 apparently turning up to Aberystwyth while one online meeting had just one participant.

But Welshpool’s pair of meetings were well attended last month and the 12-week public consultation ends with a return to Newtown, where it all began.

The Chief Ambulance Services Commissioner, Stephen Harrhy, has been appointed by the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee (EASC) to explore and maximise the additional activity that could be achieved from existing bases and to explore options to reconfigure the air ambulance service.

He has been leading the consultation in a neutral capacity and said: “The EMRTS Service Review focuses on making sure that the patients who need this important critical care service can have access to it no matter where they live in Wales or when they need it.

“We know that EMRTS saves lives and that patients who are treated by EMRTS recover better and quicker, so this impartial Review is to consider how as many people as possible in Wales could benefit from this service, as well as considering the most effective use of clinical skills, and other resources.

“We have had good interest from stakeholders in the EMRTS Service Review so far and I am grateful for the valuable contributions from respondents to date.”

There is a substantial amount of information on the EASC website which includes a video ‘explainer’ and detailed Frequently Asked Questions section about the Service, full technical document, summary document, and Easy Read versions.

Mr Harrhy explained: “We recognise that there is much complex information to convey about the clinical and operational aspects of how the Service works now that will need to be understood in order to provide feedback. I very much encourage everyone to use this information before attending any of the engagement sessions as it should help clarify any queries.”

Anyone who would like to join the stakeholder distribution list to receive regular updates about this Review can e-mail EASCServiceReviewQueries@wales.nhs.uk requesting to be added.

Remaining dates of engagement sessions are:

Tuesday, May 23, 6.30pm

Public meeting

Y Plas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8ER

Wednesday, May 24, 6.30pm

Public meeting

Byw'n Iach Bro Dysynni (Fitness Centre), High Street, Tywyn, LL36 9AE

Thursday, May 25, 6pm

Public meeting

Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern, Brow Alaw, Bodedern, Ynys Môn, LL65 3SY

Wednesday, May 31, 1pm

Microsoft Teams live event