Court of Appeal Outcome
Wales Air Ambulance welcomes the clear summary and categorical outcome handed down by Lady Justice Andrews on 15 October, to refuse the application made to the Court of Appeal in relation to the planned air ambulance service improvement.
While not a defendant in this legal action, this decision will allow us to move forward with a development that will save more lives across the country – particularly in Mid and North Wales.
Our service is one of the most clinically advanced in Europe, but undeniable expert evidence shows that not everybody is benefiting from it to the same extent. This is especially the case at night in Mid and North Wales.
The inequity is clear. In 2023 and 2024, we were unable to attend 551 incidents in Mid and North Wales, between 8pm and 2am. Every incident involved real people with very serious and life-threatening conditions.
Aligned with this, our scarce and highly specialist resources in Caernarfon and Welshpool are significantly underused. In 2023 and 2024, there were 199 days when our crews in Caernarfon did not see a patient. In Welshpool, it was 163 days without patient contact. In comparison, in Dafen it was 28 days and in Cardiff 4 days.
That’s the equivalent of a YEAR, in a two-year period, when our Welshpool and Caernarfon operations combined saw no patients. This pattern is consistent year-on-year.
Medical and aviation experts have conducted extensive research and have identified a way forward that allows us to attend more people in a life or limb-threatening emergency. The judgement from the Court of Appeal brings the legal action to an end and allows this vital process to commence.
This has been, without doubt, the most scrutinised development of any air ambulance anywhere. It has included world-leading expert-supported research and analysis, and has been scrutinised by a 20-month independent review and put through several legal processes. At every stage during the last three years, the rationale for change and the decision-making process have been validated in the strongest terms.
To the large number of people in Mid and North West Wales, and across the country, who have reached out to show their support and convey their trust in the Charity, we cannot thank you enough.
However, we know there are many people who still have concerns. We offer our heartfelt reassurance that this advancement is not detrimental to you – it is about improving your service, not removing it. We will be able to save more lives in your community and across Wales.
Our aim is, and always will be, to deliver the best possible care, with the resources available to us – wherever you are and whenever you need us.
Throughout this long process, we have been clear at every stage that our number one priority is our patients. This was recognised by Lady Justice Andrews, who wrote ‘the Charity’s response to the application has highlighted the detrimental effect of further delay in the implementation of the proposed reorganisation and gives rise to issues of grave concern’.
Respecting both the independent Review and the legal processes, we have maintained a dignified silence. Now that these processes have reached their conclusion, our wish is to come together with supporters, partners, and community representatives in Mid and North West Wales to address misconceptions and offer clarity and reassurance.
Together, we have created the largest air ambulance service in the UK and one of the most medically advanced in Europe – something our nation can be proud of.
We exist because of you and, with your support, our Charity will be there for you and your community – now and always.
More information about the emergencies we are currently missing can be found via Missed Emergencies Prompt Air Ambulance Service Improvement – Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
Detailed information about the service improvement can be found here.