Air Ambulance decision: ‘It’s a waiting game’
The Wales Air Ambulance/EMRTS/NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) wants to close Welshpool and Caernarfon bases in favour of centralising one 24-hour operation in north east Wales.
But the data used to back the closure is flawed, according to campaigners who took their challenge to the court, with the case heard in Cardiff last week.
In an update from the campaign team last night, they revealed that they were satisfied with the process and are just waiting for the Judge’s decision.
The statement issued says:
“We are still awaiting a decision from Mr Justice Turner following the three-day Judicial Review in Cardiff Court. The campaign to keep Welshpool & Caernarfon bases open has been ongoing for over two and a half years.
“We were disappointed that this matter had to be taken to court but were left with no option as we weren’t prepared to allow the permanent closure of both these bases.
“Following the Judicial Review, the campaign team have met to discuss the process and are satisfied that Mr Justice Turner listened to the arguments for and against the closure of both bases, we do know that there are a lot of communities that will receive a slower service from the Air Ambulance if the two bases close. From the beginning we have challenged data, costings, and information which were presented as facts.
“We were fortunate that a Mid Wales resident mounted a legal challenge against the decision to close both bases for which we are extremely grateful and we are fully supporting their legal challenge.
“We await the Judge’s decision given the vast amount of information that was presented by all parties at the hearing this may take some time so please bear with us, as soon as we know we will post onto our Facebook pages.
“We would also like to say a big thank you to the professionalism by Ms Joanne Clements KC and colleagues at Watkins & Gunn, and as always we want to thank the people who have offered/given their support during this challenging campaign.”
The statement was signed off by Clive & Cynthia Duce and Andy O’Regan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|