Air Ambulance Services

HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 c57W

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the funding of air ambulance services.[125958]

Ms Stuart

The need for helicopter air ambulance services is a matter for local health economies as the case for supporting these from public funds has not been made. Professor Jon Nicholls' report "The costs and effectiveness of helicopter emergency ambulance services", commissioned by the Department of Health, did not show benefits to justify National Health Service investment. The position will be reviewed if any further evidence is presented. A copy of this report has already been placed in the Library.