It has been suggested the air ambulance could use the helipad at SWAH.
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) is being urged to consider placing an Air Ambulance at South West Acute Hospital to serve the west of Northern Ireland.
In March last year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the provision of over £4 million to help establish the first Air Ambulance Service in Northern Ireland.
Kevin Taylor, Air Ambulance campaigner believes that Air Ambulance NI (AANI) should use the money to place a helicopter at South West Acute Hospital, to maximise the quality of health care in the West of Northern Ireland.
“The Air Ambulance placed in Antrim will take up to 30 minutes to get to an accident in Fermanagh, which make very little difference to someone in this part of the country. What I think should be done with the £4 million is introduce two air ambulances, one for the West, and one for the East and work together on major emergencies.
“If the helicopter was based on the helicopter pad at South West Acute Hospital, SWAH could provide a top class service using the air ambulance. If there is someone seriously ill, the ambulance driver should be able to call the air ambulance and have the patient flown to hospital quicker, and this could save hundreds of lives,” he claimed.
At this time, Northern Ireland does not have an Air Ambulance service, but AANI are currently working to establish a suitable service. The use of the Air Ambulance could help save the lives of those in car accidents, suffering from a stroke or a heart attack or any other serious health condition.
Addressing the issue, a spokesman for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland said:“Our trustees are continuing to work with all of the stakeholders involved in the establishment of Northern Ireland’s first Air Ambulance.
“The Minister for Health has sought the advice of the Chief Medical Officer about the clinical operation of the service. Over the coming weeks it is our expectation that the Minister will make a further announcement with regard to the clinical operation, home base and the service commencement date.”
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