McArthur welcomes minister’s offer to look into air ambulance concerns

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has pressed the cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon, to lend support to urgent calls for a locally-based air ambulance for Orkney.

Pointing to the circumstances of the tragic death of a woman on Shapinsay at the end of last year, Mr McArthur said the case reinforced the need for interim arrangements to be put in place ahead of a new contract being put in place in 2013.

Mr McArthur said: “The cabinet secretary was clearly aware of the recent tragedy on Shapinsay, and passed on her condolences to the family of the woman involved.

“While the investigation into this tragic death suggests that even without the delays in responding by the emergency services, the woman’s life may not have been saved, it certainly highlights the vulnerability of island communities, and the need for a locally based back-up for the air ambulance.

“I will continue to press for a locally-based aircraft in the new air ambulance contract next year.  In the meantime, Scottish Ambulance Service must now agree with NHS Orkney and Orkney Islands Council on an interim arrangement to provide my constituents with the cover they expect and deserve.  In that context, I welcome the cabinet secretary’s agreement to take up the matter with SAS and NHS Orkney. ”