Call to Air Ambulance ambassador stars to speak out on base plan
FOUR prominent ambassadors for the Wales Air Ambulance have been implored to intervene in the service’s planned reorganisation in North Wales.
Seven Plaid Cymru politicians have written an open letter to the likes of opera star Sir Bryn Terfel, describing the proposals as a ‘grave mistake.’
Following public consultation, the Ambulance Services Commissioner for Wales has recommended the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) be centralised at one site in north east Wales, widely supposed to be Rhuddlan, Denbighshire.
This would lead to the closure of the Air Ambulance bases in Caernarfon, Gwynedd and Welshpool, Powys.
The Commissioner’s recommendation will be presented to the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee (EASC), made up of Wales’ seven health boards.
They will vote on the controversial proposal amid concerns approval will leave large parts of North and Mid Wales distant from Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) cover.
The Plaid group, which includes party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Senedd Member for Ynys Môn, fears the plan will be ‘nodded through.’
They highlighted the fierce opposition in isolated rural communities ‘already suffering disproportionately because of a lack of access to timely medical services.’
As well as Sir Bryn Terfel, Gwynedd tenor Rhys Meirion and Porthcawl paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson are being asked to intercede.
The open letter was also addressed to Wales rugby star James Hook, a longstanding WAA supporter since his eldest son, Harrison, needed the service when falling ill.
The letter states: “The intention to move the helicopters from Caernarfon and Welshpool goes against the wishes of thousands of our constituents – the very people whohave contributed so generously to support the charity over the years, and who continue to fund the lifesaving service through fundraising events, monthly donations, and legacies in wills.
“It has been clear from the outset that people across Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, and mid-wales are unanimous in their conviction that the Caernarfon and Welshpool bases should be kept open.”
The letter continues: “Considering some of the questions about the data being used as a basis for the proposal, it is not unreasonable for people to have serious concerns that we will have a significantly inferior service if the Caernarfon and Welshpool sites are closed.
“Indeed, we still have not been provided with compelling evidence that would convince us that this won’t lead to a poorer service.
“We believe that lives will be put at risk if these plans are implemented.”
The Plaid critics have raised concerns over the ‘highly questionable’ modelling which underpins the proposals, claiming it lacks independent verification.
They maintained the data also showed both the Caernarfon and Welshpool base was ‘as good an option as centralisation.’
Neither were the politicians happy about the ‘transparency’ of the consultation process. Accusing the Ambulance Services Commissioner of ‘inconsistent messaging,’ they questioned why the twobase option was ‘ruled out without any explanation.’
They added: “We believe that these issues alone are reason enough to prevent the process from going a step further.”
As well as Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid letter was signed by Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS Mabon ap Gwynfor, Arfon MP Hywel Williams and Arfon MS Siân Gwenllian. Representing Welshpool interests were Mid and West Wales MS Cefin Campbell and Powys county councillor Elwyn Vaughan.
Collectively, they claim to have been told by frontline EMRTS clinicians at Welshpool and Caernarfon that the proposed changes are a ‘grave mistake’ that will leave rural communities exposed.
The resulting uncertainty and public anxiety has created ‘significant ill-feeling’ in affected communities, they said, adding: “We are very concerned about the long-term effect this will have on the good relationship that has existed between the public and the charity over the years.”
Addressing the ambassadors, the Plaid Cymru letter concluded: “Given the seriousness of these matters, we implore you as someone who is in an influential position to do everything within your power to speak out against the closure of the Caernarfon and Welshpool bases.”
Wales Air Ambulance was approached for a comment.