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Campaigners are taking a new legal approach to halt the closure of two Wales Air Ambulance bases, at Welshpool in Powys and Caernarfon in Gwynedd. The planned closure is part of a strategy to establish a new unit in north Wales that can respond to a higher number of incidents per year. Despite losing a previous High Court case in June aimed at preventing the Welshpool base closure, opponents are now seeking permission from the Court of Appeal to contest the ruling.
The Wales Air Ambulance Charity has voiced its apprehension over efforts to delay an improvement that could potentially save more lives in mid and North Wales. The charity highlighted that in the period between 2023-24, there were 632 emergencies in these regions that could have benefited from air ambulance assistance, but only 81 responses were possible. In contrast, the charity’s services in south Wales managed to attend to 983 emergencies during the same timeframe, illustrating a significant imbalance that needs addressing.
Critics of the High Court decision described it as “extremely disappointing,” expressing concerns that shutting down the Welshpool base could cause delays in emergency response times in certain areas. They have lodged an additional appeal, with the Court of Appeal set to determine whether permission will be granted for further legal action. Dr. Stuart Gill, a medic based in Welshpool, emphasized that the air ambulance is not a primary responder, unlike paramedics and the Welsh Ambulance Service. He clarified that even regions without a dedicated air ambulance base can access the service when operational.
The ongoing debate surrounding the closure of the Wales Air Ambulance bases reflects the intricate balance between improving emergency response services and ensuring equitable access to critical medical assistance across different regions. As the legal battle continues, stakeholders on both sides are advocating for measures that prioritize prompt and efficient emergency care, while addressing concerns about potential service disparities caused by the proposed changes
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