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Air Ambulances UK has announced the successful relaunch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Air Ambulances (APPGAA), reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK.
The APPGAA brings together politicians to address key issues affecting the sector. The gathering marked a significant step towards raising awareness and campaigning on policy issues within the air ambulance sector to enhance the delivery of lifesaving pre-hospital care.
During the meeting, which was chaired by Steve Witherden MP, Pete Wishart MP (Scottish National Party) was reaffirmed as Chair, and new officers were appointed to support the group’s work:
- Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP – Officer (Conservative)
- Steve Witherden MP – Officer (Labour)
- The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE – Officer
The meeting set out the group’s aims and objectives for the coming year, with a keynote address from Lindsay Boswell, Interim CEO of Air Ambulances UK, who outlined the vital role of policy and advocacy in supporting air ambulance charities.
A key topic on the agenda was hospital helipads, a significant challenge facing the sector. Lindsay Boswell provided an update on national issues surrounding hospital helipads and the urgent need for investment. Plans were discussed for Air Ambulances UK to employ a helipad specialist to assess the impact, compile a report to support APPGAA lobbying efforts, and provide clear evidence to the Government on return on investment.
“The APPGAA plays a vital role in ensuring that air ambulance charities have a strong voice in Parliament. The relaunch of the group demonstrates a renewed commitment from policymakers to tackling the key challenges facing the sector. We look forward to working closely with MPs and Peers to champion the needs of air ambulance charities, ensuring they can continue delivering lifesaving pre-hospital care to those who need it most.”
Lindsay Boswell, Interim CEO of Air Ambulances UK.
Jamie Ward, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Air Ambulances UK, said: “The APPGAA is a crucial platform for addressing the challenges faced by air ambulance charities. With cross-party support, we can push for meaningful change, particularly on issues like hospital helipad access, to help improve patient outcomes.”
Air Ambulances UK says it looks forward to working with Pete Wishart MP and the APPGAA to drive positive change, securing the long-term sustainability of air ambulance services nationwide.
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