Air ambulance could benefit East Antrim

The TUV cllr spoke out after attending a Stormont event to promote the provision of an emergency air ambulance service, during which the partner of the late “flying doctor” Ciaran Hinds addressed guests.

Cllr Ruth Wilson commented: “After hearing at first hand the amount of lives saved as a direct result of having an emergency air response facility, it highlights the necessity for emergency provision for the isolated rural area stretching from Carnlough to Carrick.

“I listened to the late Dr John Hinds’ partner, Dr Janet Acheson outline the benefits already available to the rest of the UK and the tangible evidence of not only lives being saved, but the direct advantage of brain trauma injuries being treated quickly and the effects of that in patients recovery and future well being.”

The TUV Cllr said that the East Antrim area had suffered as a result of health service cuts.

“It is absolutely crucial that we catch up with the rest of the UK and address the poor emergency health service to our electoral area which has suffered numerous hospital closures in Larne, Carrick and Ballymena and withdrawal of A&E Services over past years,” she continued.

“HEMS is a vital component to our health service, and both the Scottish and Welsh assemblies have already implemented this service some time ago which has saved considerable costs both financially and most importantly, lives being saved with injuries treated promptly.

“We in TUV have been determined to address this issue and substantially improve the emergency response to our vulnerable, rural community.”