16/03/2016

NI To Receive Funding For Air Ambulance Service

Chancellor George Osbourne has announced Northern Ireland is to receive funding for an air ambulance service.

He confirmed the £4.5 million will be used from LIBOR banking fines to help set up the service.

Northern Ireland is currently the only region in the UK which does not have a helicopter emergency medical service.

Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin welcomed the announcement.

She said: "I welcome today's announcement that £4 million is to be made available for an air ambulance service for the North. 

"The £4 million earmarked in the British government's budget, which was announced today will be used to deliver an air ambulance service similar to the service in Wales. 

"While today's announcement is welcome, any air ambulance service should operate on an all-island basis. 

"Emergency situations do not recognise borders and the air ambulance service should be available to everyone, regardless of where they live."

(CD/JP)

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