Don't let your guard down over air ambulance plans

Politicians have welcomed plans by the Wales Air Ambulance charity to extend its lease at the Mid Wales Airport, but urging residents to still engage in the consultation in planned changes.

The charity announced yesterday that it had extended its lease at the Mid Wales Airport, Welshpool, until 2026. Meanwhile, a consultation is being undertaken independently to looking into plans to close the base and move it to North East Wales with the air ambulance currently located at Caernarfon.

The announcement yesterday was part of a statement about the charity signing a new aviation service lease.

Last August, EMRTS Cymru – a service within the Welsh NHS – and The Welsh Air Ambulance Trust first announced plans to reconfigure their service, which included the concerning news that they propose to close the base in Welshpool.

Russell George, Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, and Craig Williams, MP, have both welcomed the lease extension announcement, but warned residents not to let their guard down.

Mr George said: “I am delighted with the news that the air ambulance base in Welshpool will stay in place for the next three years.
 
“This would not have been possible without the dedicated commitment of the local campaigning by so many people. I am incredibly proud of our area’s response to support this vital provision and am grateful to councillors, groups, and individuals for all the effort they put in.
 
“I am proud to have led a debate in the Senedd in January calling on the Welsh Government to keep open the air ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon, raising issues like the distance from major hospitals.
 
“But this is merely a battle won – the fight goes on to secure a base that remains in Mid Wales for decades to come and I urge everyone who wants to see it retained to engage in the consultation process as soon as it starts."

Mr Williams reiterated this. “I’m pleased the air ambulance base will remain in Montgomeryshire for now, but I am concerned that we have only pushed back the decision on its fate. It is now essential we all work together to present our valid concerns.
 
“There has been a fantastic effort locally to campaign for the retention on the base in Welshpool. I’d like to thank the many people who paid for and displayed signs.
 
“With the Welsh Government’s aversion to new roadbuilding and poor funding of local government, we know just how essential access to air ambulances are in our rural community as part of delivering healthcare in our part of the country.”

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and MS for Mid and West Wales, paid tribute to campaigners who had helped reach this point.

“I am delighted to hear that the Welsh Air Ambulance contract for Welshpool and Caernarfon airports has been extended to 2026, offering at least temporary respite from potential closure.  

“As so many have already said the campaign is not over and at this point, I would like to pay tribute to all of those who have campaigned to protect this vital service so far. A particular thanks go to Dai Williams who has played a key role in the campaign and who I understand has made the decision to take a step back.

“I like many will now be awaiting the details of the long-promised community engagement process which is due to start next month.”