The Welsh Government’s First Minister Vaughan Gething MS remains supportive of the decision to close Welshpool’s Air Ambulance base.

At a meeting of Senedd Members on July 12, Mr Gething was questioned by Montgomeryshire MS Russell George on why the Welsh Government supported the decision which would see the Air Ambulance base in Welshpool close.

Mr George also asked First Minister to consider a new model across Wales for providing Air Ambulance cover.

Mr Vaughan 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.

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“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.”

The decision, made in April 2024 by Welsh NHS’ Joint Commissioning Committee, confirmed that the base which has served Powys for nearly 20 years will be closed along with the base in Caernarfon and merged into a new site in North Wales in 2026, despite fierce opposition from the public.

Responding, Mr George 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.

(Image: NQ)

“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.”

Commenting after the meeting on his exchange with Mr Vaughan, the Montgomeryshire MS added: “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.”