HSE in talks with British firm for air ambulance service

A BRITISH helicopter firm has been in talks with the HSE for the past two years with a view to providing air ambulance services in this country.

A spokesperson for Bond Air Services, one of the largest providers of air ambulances in Britain, said talks are now at an “advance stage” following the submission of a proposal for a trial, which was submitted at the request of the current chief executive of the Health Service Executive.

Paul Westaway from Bond — which operates 18 Air Ambulance helicopters throughout England, Scotland and Wales — said the company was engaged in on-going discussions with the HSE regarding the provision of a charity-funded air ambulance based at Cork, covering all of Ireland.

“At no point has the HSE turned down our proposals due to costs and we remain committed to working with the HSE and Air Ambulance Ireland to develop and provide a dedicated air ambulance/helicopter medical service for Ireland,” Mr Westaway said. “Indeed, we have recently submitted a proposal to the HSE for a trial. To support the trial, Bond Air Services has offered to underwrite any shortfall in charity funding.”

Commenting on reports that Health Minister James Reilly had met Bond, and was preparing to strike a deal for the provision of services, SIPTU said any new emergency air ambulance service must be an integral part of the existing national ambulance service.

“While the state has provided air medical transport services via the Aer Corps and Coast Guard, both of which offer a high quality medical evacuation facility, for improved efficiency any new air ambulance service must be under the control of the national ambulance service to ensure its complete co-ordination with paramedics on the ground,” the organisation’s acting health division organiser, Paul Bell, said.

“Given the closure and downgrading of hospital accident and emergency departments across the country it is essential that a professional, integrated air ambulance service is provided,” Mr Bell said.

However, he questioned the motive behind the move.

“I would be concerned that the minister’s proposal is about providing air cover for backbenchers rather than for ill patients in need of immediate access to accident and emergency services.”

The Department of Health declined to comment on the matter and the HSE said it is constantly assessing opportunities where quality and cost-effective systems can be put in place.

“The ambulance service is no different in this regard. However, we are not commenting on any specific engagements given their commercially sensitive nature,” a spokesperson said.