McArthur presses cabinet secretary for air ambulance update

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has pressed the health secretary for news on the new air ambulance contract, especially whether it will provide a locally-based aircraft.

Mr McArthur last raised the issue in January, following the death of a constituent, but despite assurances from Scottish Ambulance Service that interim arrangements would be put in place ahead of the new contract coming into force, nothing has yet been formally announced.

In her response, Nicola Sturgeon indicated that an announcement would be made next month, although she acknowledged that the new provisions would not be in place until 2013.  In the meantime, she committed to investigate the interim arrangement situation.

Mr McArthur said: “In the interim, it is essential that plans are put in place to enable faster response times, particularly for patients in the smaller islands.  This will require the use of a locally-based aircraft.”

He added: “Given the feedback from people in Orkney to the Scottish Ambulance Service consultation over the last 18 months and more, I sincerely hope the new contract will make provision for a locally-based aircraft.  In the meantime, however, my constituents need an interim solution that provides confidence that they are getting the service they deserve.”