WAA Statement

While not a defendant in the Judicial Review, we welcome the clear and unequivocal outcome handed down today. It will allow us to move forward with a service improvement 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. 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. Between November 2023 and October 2024, there were 105 days when our crews in Caernarfon did not see a patient. In Welshpool, it was 84 days without patient contact. In comparison, in Dafen it was 13 days and in Cardiff 1 day. This 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. Today’s judgement allows this process to commence.

To our supporters in Mid and North West Wales who have expressed concern, 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.

Respecting both the independent Review and legal process, we have maintained a dignified silence over the past few years. 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 correct misconceptions and offer clarity and reassurance.

Over the past 24 years, you have put your trust in us. With that trust, together we have been able to create the largest air ambulance service in the UK and one of the most medically advanced in Europe.

We exist because of you and, with your support, our Charity will be there for you and your community – now and always.

The full Judicial Review judgement can be read here – Lowri Evans, R (on the application of) v Aneurin Bevan University Local Health Board & Ors – Find Case Law – The National Archives

Information about the service improvement can be found here.