New Air Ambulance Touches Down In NI For The First Time

Northern Ireland's first Air Ambulance service is expected to be put into service by March, 2017.

The new helicopter emergency medical service is touring sites across Northern Ireland to introduce the new service ahead of it becoming fully operational.

However, it is understood that decisions on a permanent base for the helicopter has not yet been taken, and no staff have been acquired to run the service.

Welcoming the arrival of the helicopter, Upper Bann DUP MP David Simpson said: "This is fantastic news for Northern Ireland and I am delighted that the Chancellor responded to our requests and we now have own Air Ambulance. I want to thank the people of Northern Ireland for also getting behind this campaign and encourage everyone to continue their fundraising efforts to ensure its sustainability.

There is still work to be done to see the full implementation of this service but I along with my colleagues will not stop until it is complete."

Northern Ireland was the only region of the UK to not already have an Air Ambulance. The late Dr John Hinds, who was a consultant at Craigavon Area Hospital, had lead a campaign for an air ambulance service until his death in July 2015. The campaign was continued by Dr Hinds partner, Dr Janet Acheson.

Mr Simpson praised the work of Dr Hinds: "I hope this announcement will bring some comfort to the friends and family of one of our 'flying doctors', the late, great Dr John Hinds, who campaigned for a Northern Ireland Air Ambulance for many years.

"We are indebted to him for the tireless work he did on achieving this, and I have no doubt that if it hadn't been for his resolute commitment, we would not have this life saving service in our province today."

(MH)