First Minister, Vaughan Gething MS has refused to consider different models to keep Welshpool and Caernarfon bases open at a meeting of Senedd Members.
The Committee which was set up to scrutinise the First Minister met today (12 July) with the focus of the meeting being on Rural communities.
Recommendations by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) to move services were approved by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) in April of this year, despite Powys and Betsi Cadwaladr Health Boards both opposing the move. The exact location of the base will be decided later, but will be in central north Wales, alongside the A55.
There has been strong opposition to the proposals, particularly in Powys where campaigners say that patients in remote and rural areas will lose out. In a recent public engagement process, 66% of responses came from Powys and a petition opposing the changes attracted more than 30,000 signatures.
The First Minister, Vaughan Gething MS was being questioned by Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George at the committee, which took place in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
Mr George used his allotted time to question the First Minister on why the Welsh Government supported the decision which would see the Air Ambulance base in Welshpool close, with the MS also asking the First Minister to consider a new model across Wales for providing Air Ambulance cover.
Responding to the Montgomeryshire Senedd members question, Mr Gething said:
‘People often fight for what's local, what's near them and I understand that. But I see the very clear evidence presented and delivered not just by events, but by the clinical director as well, that says that this will deliver a better service and there's always a choice for the public about do you want better or not, and who do you trust to explain what better is.
And will you trust someone who is a clinical expert in that area, or will you trust a politician at the head of a campaign, and I don't think there would be a basis for the government to say we are prepared to countermand, override a better system.’
Russell George swiftly hit back and said:
‘But if you're suggesting politicians are leading this campaign, that's not correct. The campaign is led by local people, tens of thousands of people signing petitions across Mid and North Wales.
Health professionals themselves have presented their concern about bases closing in Welshpool and Caernarfon. It is also local health boards covering the areas that did not accept the recommendations to close the bases and have shared their concerns.’
The Welsh government is ultimately responsible for ensuring people get transferred into urgent care as quickly as possible.'
Mr George went on tell the First Minister:
'Do you not think that it is the government that should take the lead on this and ensure that funding is available to keep appropriate bases open across Wales, including Mid and North Wales.’
Commenting after the Scrutiny of the First Minister, Mr George said:
I asked the First Minister why his government hasn’t stepped in to save our much-needed Air Ambulance bases given the strength of feeling in mid and north Wales communities.
The First Minister continues to support the decision to close Welshpool and Caernarfon bases and continues to push the reaching more people line. I told the First Minister that this change should not just be about reaching more people, but rather reaching the right people who need it.
The Welsh Conservatives have made a manifesto pledge to directly fund all current Wales Air Ambulance bases were we to be elected to Government in Wales, to safeguard these bases for our most rural communities.
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