Montgomeryshire politicians have met with officials from Wales Air Ambulance to discuss plans which could see its Welshpool base close.
On August 22, Craig Williams MP and Russell George MS met with the chief executive, chair of trustees and officials from the Welsh Air Ambulance over the potential closure of Welshpool’s Air Ambulance base, as revealed by the County Times last week.
The trust put forward details of their modelling analysis, and how they believe their proposal to move the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases to a central North Wales location could deliver an enhanced service to patients across the Mid Wales region and the whole of Wales.
The charity announced its plans to close the Welshpool base on August 17, an announcement that was met with disappointment from both Mr Russell and Mr George.
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But Mr Williams also said air ambulance bosses told them that no formal decision has yet been made over the plans, and that a full consultation will be held with residents and interested parties.
Speaking about the meeting with Wales Air Ambulance officials, Mr Williams said: “There is a deep emotional connection to Welshpool’s Air Ambulance across Montgomeryshire and Mid Wales.
“Both Russell and I continue to share the intense concerns which have been expressed to us by many constituents since the news was first leaked out last week.
“We have now asked for data models to be provided so that these can be forensically analysed and absorbed, and will meet with the Trust again soon.”
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Announcing the plans last week, Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance's chief executive, said: "For people in Powys, it may seem counterintuitive that us moving away from their county would bring any benefits. But that is what our analysis is strongly conveying and it’s important to remember that we go to the patient, the patient doesn’t come to us.
"There is strong evidence that says this region, as well as every other part of Wales, will benefit from the proposed changes."
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