§ 38. Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure 24-hour air ambulance cover for emergency journeys from islands to mainland hospitals. [34739]
§ Ms BlearsThere are currently 12 charitably funded air ambulance services operating in England. The charities are responsible for the number of aircraft provided. These charitably funded air ambulances are called out to emergencies by national health service ambulance trusts and generally staffed by NHS staff.
Air ambulances have a role in delivering emergency care especially in rural areas and where road access is a problem. This can be an effective way of getting better and faster access to hospitals and valuable in supporting
1100W
§ Yvette CooperI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Denham) to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 23 April 2001,Official Report, columns 179-80W.