A judicial review is underway in Cardiff to challenge the closure of the Powys air ambulance base, sparking community support and concern.
Cardiff: A court is diving into the debate over the air ambulance base in Welshpool. The judicial review started on January 22 and will continue into the next day.
This review comes after a legal challenge was filed last year against the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee. They decided to close the Powys base, and folks are not happy about it.
Campaigners, including Montgomeryshire MS Russell George, are rallying to save the base. They believe the decision was made without enough transparency and didn’t consider what rural communities really need.
George called this review a big moment for their campaign. He pointed out that the legal team will argue that the decision-making process was flawed and didn’t take into account the unique challenges faced by rural areas.
He also mentioned that swapping air ambulance services for road-based options is a bad idea. Just think about it—one bad storm or road closure could put lives at risk.
The Welshpool base has been a lifeline for nearly 20 years. But in April 2024, the Joint Commissioning Committee voted to close it, along with another base in Caernarfon, merging services into a new site in North Wales. This decision faced a lot of pushback from the community.
George emphasized that they’re not asking for special treatment, just fairness. He believes everyone in mid Wales deserves the same level of care as those in cities. A judge will weigh the arguments and make a decision later.
While the outcome is uncertain, George feels hopeful based on the evidence and the hard work of the campaign and legal teams. They’re ready to fight for what they believe is right.
