Senedd sounds alarm at plans to axe two bases for air ambulances

SENEDD members have warned that the closure of air ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon will create an “unacceptable patient safety vacuum”.

- CHRIS HAINES

The Senedd debated a petition signed by more than 10,000 people calling for a full public inquiry into Welsh Air Ambulance centralisation plans in rural Wales.

Labour's Carolyn Thomas, chair of the Senedd petitions committee, said campaigners took their fight to the highest courts without success.

She told the Senedd: "A review recommended closing the bases at Welshpool and Caernarfon and moving the helicopters to a new site in north Wales, near the A55.

"Supporters of the change say this would mean more emergency calls could be answered each year, but campaigners fear it will mean slower response times for certain communities."

James Evans, the Conservatives' shadow health secretary, warned: "Let's not go around the bush - Powys has become a health desert.

"We have a county with no district general hospital, no A&E department, minor injury units operating with limited hours and ambulances are dragged out of our communities to cover shortages elsewhere in Wales."

Mr Evans, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire, said against this backdrop the decision to close the Welshpool air ambulance base is "not only irresponsible, it is dangerous".