Updated 1st March 2023
Campaign for Welshpool’s Air Ambulance Base to Remain for the Long-Term
In February 2023, we learned that the contract for the Wales Air Ambulance service to operate from the base at Welshpool Airport had been extended to 2026.
While this news was very welcome, the local campaign now moves to ensuring the base remains in Welshpool beyond 2026 and into the future.
We are currently expecting a new proposal for how Wales Air Ambulance services should be configured, and an engagement process to commence.
During 2022, people from across Mid Wales and I were surprised and disappointed by a proposal that Welshpool’s Air Ambulance could be closed. In the latter half of the year following the revealing of the proposals, I worked closely with campaign groups and concerned individuals to campaign for the retention of our Mid Wales base, and to ensure there is a proper engagement process and scrutiny.
I raised this important issue several times in the Senedd with ministers including the First Minister and led a debate on the topic in early January 2023.
Communication about the plans to reconfigure services (including closing both Welshpool and Caernarfon bases) was abysmal. Different organisations involved in the plans denied responsibility, passed over legitimate local concerns, and caused serious local worry.
Following strong local campaigning, it was agreed that the original plans would be paused, there would be scrutiny of the original plans, and new plans would be brought forward in cojunction with a formal engagement process.
We have, however, had several months of the formal engagement process being delayed and postponed. I have been working closely with Craig Williams MP and others to ensure that clear, transparent communication of any proposals is achieved going forward, with the ultimate aim of retaining the Welshpool base.
This is an invaluable service provided by Wales Air Ambulance and the Welsh NHS to Mid Wales. It is essential that this service remains based in Welshpool in the long term.
It is incredibly important that we keep up the hard work of people locally to raise legitimate issues with the proposals. I would encourage everyone to submit individual, group and organisation responses to the engagement process when this is launched. The fight to keep the base open is not over yet.
The independent review of the proposals is continuing, and I expect this will be launched soon. I will – of course – keep updating people via my newsletter, Facebook page and website as soon as full details are published.