Decision on air ambulance service due next month

THE Government is set to make a decision on the introduction of an air ambulance service next month, following talks with a number of providers.

Kerry-based charity group Air Ambulance Ireland (AAI) submitted a formal proposal to Health Minister James Reilly last week, signalling its readiness to launch on February 1.

Dr Reilly told delegates at a joint committee meeting on health that a clear resolution on the provision of a helicopter ambulance would be made in January.

HSE national director of integrated services, Brian Gilroy, said a number of providers and the scope of the service are under evaluation.

AAI is one of three options open to the minister, alongside Roscommon-based private company Lifelight Air Ambulance and an ‘in-house’ service provided by the Air Corps.

AAI submitted its proposal to provide a community-funded rapid response helicopter following a series of meetings with Dr Reilly and officials at the Department of Health and HSE.

British-based air ambul-ance provider Bond Air Services will provide AAI with helicopters and crews, and pledged to underwrite the cost of the first three months of the service. The operation will rely on community fundraising thereafter.

AAI general manager Ellen Miller said: “Ireland is the only EU country without a dedicated air ambulance service. We have formally submitted our proposal and are ready to launch on St Brigid’s Day subject to ministerial approval.”

Lifelight Air Ambulance, a not-for-profit consortium that includes the Roscommon Hospital Action Committee, made its presentation to Dr Reilly in October.

Spokesman David Hall said: “Our operation would service the north-west and midlands area initially, with the intention of expanding the service to cover the country. The first aircraft would be based at Roscommon where it would carry out inter-facility transfers from approved sites.”

Lifelight will launch its craft, facilitated by Sloane Helicopters, tomorrow at Weston Airport in Celbridge on a demonstration flight to Roscommon General Hospital, where it is due to land at Dr Hyde Park at 1pm.

The Department of Health has signalled its intention to put the community-provided option out to tender should it choose not to opt for a service provided by the Air Corps.