Air ambulance chief visits Sanday

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur hosted meetings in Sanday yesterday with Andy Moir, head of the air ambulance service in Scotland.

As well as meeting local GP, Dr Stephen Murray, Mr McArthur and Mr Moir met with the Community Council before taking part in a public meeting with a number of island residents.

Describing the visit as very worthwhile, Mr McArthur said: “While concerns remain amongst those living in the outer islands about response times and other aspects of the air ambulance service, these visits have at least allowed meaningful discussions to take place with local GPs, nurses and the wider communities about how and where improvements need to be made.  I firmly believe that this is starting to deliver results.”

“For example, constituents have rightly been angered by the inability of some patients to have an escort on flights on the helicopter. This has been a real problem for younger patients and those who may be vulnerable for whatever reason.  Mr Moir was able to confirm to the community council and members of the public in Sanday that this would be addressed by the new, larger helicopter being introduced from July this year.

“While the helicopter would still be based in Inverness, there was also discussion of the possibility of having it on stand by in Orkney or Wick at various points.  While not straightforward, it was encouraging to hear that this option is at least going to be explored.

“Mr Moir was also able to offer some reassurance about SAS staff being trained to be more aware of the specific challenges in transferring patients from the outer islands in Orkney.  He accepted that these challenges are almost unique and need to be borne in mind by SAS call handling staff in Inverness and Glasgow to avoid unnecessary delays when responding to emergency and urgent requests from isles GPs and nurses.”