Brecon and Radnorshire Politcians have shared their disappointment following the news that the final report into the future of the Welshpool Air Ambulance base will recommend its closure,
Jamnes Evans said
“I am extremely disappointed that the Emergency Ambulances Services Committee will be closing the Air Ambulance base in Welshpool and moving it to North Wales despite continuously raising concerns that it would put my constituents at a disadvantage.
“As a rural area, we don’t have many of the things that people in more densely populated parts of Wales take for granted. I’ve heard horror stories from constituents of ambulance waiting times of up to 24 hours, and ambulances stuck outside A&E departments – in one case for over 25 hours. I’ve also heard many examples of where the Air Ambulance has been called out in agricultural accidents. In our areas where the road network is poor, the Air Ambulance is quite literally the difference between life and death.
Fay Jones added
I am incredibly disappointed to hear that the Welshpool Air Ambulance base is to close. Air Ambulance is a vital service for our rural area, and I fear that concerns from constituents have been overlooked.
Feedback has been provided to me from passionate fundraisers and supporters for the charity and I share their fear for the detrimental effect this will have on vital health support in rural Wales, but also over future financial assistance for the new base.
I hope that Powys Teaching Health Board reject this recommendation
They added -
“We are yet to hear how the problems created by closing the base will be solved, which is extremely concerning for everyone living in rural Wales.”
