The public consultation on the future of the Welshpool Air Ambulance base is set to begin at the beginning of next month.

The NHS’s Emergency Ambulance Service Committee, who will be running the consultation, has released the timetable for the first set of meeting – with public meetings set to begin in Newtown on April 4.   

The consultation will be looking at the long term future of the Wales Air Ambulance service after it was revealed in the County Times last year that there were plans to close their Welshpool and Caernarfon bases and combine them in a new North Wales site.

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If the plans were to go ahead it would see the bases close in 2026 after the new helicopter contract for the charity begins.  

Chief Ambulance Service Commissioner, Stephen Harrhy, who will be running the public consultation said: “The timetable shows how we are offering mix of public engagement sessions to include in-person public meetings, walk-in sessions, and virtual sessions online giving people a range of options to provide feedback during a six-week period.

“We’ve had strong interest from stakeholders in the EMRTS Service (Air Ambulance) Review and I am grateful for the contributions made to date towards shaping the engagement process that demonstrates how we have listened to stakeholders and taken these suggestions on board.

“I would like to thank those who have supported us in making these arrangements in localities.”

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Mr Harrhy said that some of the dates and venues may be adjusted and encouraged as many members of the public to take part as possible whether it be in person or online.

“There are still some venue confirmations we are expecting and will therefore update the timetable on the website as soon as we receive this and share this with you,” said Mr Harrhy.  “We would also be grateful of any support in cascading the information to ensure this is widely communicated.

“The EMRTS Service Review will focus on making sure that the patients who need this important critical care service can have access to it no matter where they live in Wales or when they need it.

“We know that EMRTS saves lives and that patients who are treated by EMRTS recover better and quicker, so this impartial Review will consider how as many people as possible in Wales could benefit from this service, as well as considering the most effective use of clinical skills, and other resources.”

 

The full list of dates can be viewed below:

 

- Newtown (Location to be confirmed), Public Drop-in, Tuesday 4 April 2023, TBC       Details to follow

- The Monty Club, 11 Broad St, Newtown, SY16 2LU  Public Meeting, Tuesday 4 April 2023, 17:30 to 19:00  

- Microsoft Teams Live Event, Virtual Public Meeting, Tuesday 11 April 2023, 12:30 to 13:30  

- Microsoft Teams Live Event, Virtual Public Meeting, Tuesday 11 April 2023, 18:00 to 19:00  

- Welshpool (Location to be confirmed), Public Drop-in, Thursday 13 April 2023 , TBC

- Members Centre, Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY, Public Meeting, Thursday 13 April 2023, 17:30 to 19:00

- Microsoft Teams Live Event, Virtual Public Meeting, Monday 17 April 2023, 12:30 to 13:30  

- Microsoft Teams Live Event, Virtual Public Meeting, Monday 17 April 2023, 18:00 to 19:00  

- Microsoft Teams Live Event, Virtual Public Meeting, Thursday 20 April 2023, 12:30 to 13:30  

- Microsoft Teams Live Event, Virtual Public Meeting , Thursday 20 April 2023, 18:00 to 19:00  

- Welshpool (Location to be confirmed), Public Drop-in , Wednesday 26 April 2023,  TBC

- Freedom Leisure Caereinon Welshpool, SY21 0HW, Public Meeting, Wednesday 26 April 2023, 17:30 to 19:00

- Dolgellau (Location to be confirmed), Public Drop-in, Thursday 27 April 2023, TBC

- The Celtic Royal Hotel Bangor Street Caernarfon, LL55 1AY Thursday 27 April 2023      17:30 to 19:00  

- Wrexham (Location to be confirmed), Public Drop-in, Wednesday 3 May 2023      TBC     

- Holt Lodge, Wrexham Road, Holt, Wrexham, LL13 9SW, Public Meeting, Wednesday 3 May 2023,  17:30 to 19:00  

- Bayview Shopping Centre Sea View Road Colwyn Bay, LL29 8DG, Public Drop-in   Thursday 4 May 2023,   10:00 to 14:00 

- Byw'n Iach, Bro DysynniHigh St, Tywyn, LL36 9AE, Public Drop-in Thursday, 4 May 2023, 10:00 to 14:00