Wales Air Ambulance to close Welshpool and Caernarfon bases
The two closing bases will be replaced by a new base in central north Wales, due to open in 2026
The National Health Service Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) has approved recommendations by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) to close and replace two of Wales Air Ambulance Charity’s (WAAC) bases.
The bases, in the towns of Caernarfon and Welshpool, will be replaced from 2026 by a new, more centrally located base in central north Wales. However, neither base will be closed until the new one is established.
While the new base’s exact location has not yet been confirmed, it will be located alongside the A55 road. The base will be home to aircraft from both former bases, as well as a fleet of rapid response road vehicles.
The relocation of operations to north Wales was originally proposed as part of an efficiency analysis by WAAC published in August 2022. The move is expected to allow around 140 emergency calls to be answered per year, while improving efficiency – at present, the teams at the two bases are reportedly underused.
Extended nighttime hours
Once the new base is established, WAAC has confirmed that it will take advantage of the consolidation to extend its operating hours in north Wales to 18 hours per day. The two bases currently operate for 12 hours a day, and the region is reliant on the overnight team in Cardiff for its services after dark.
Speaking to local newspaper the Cambrian News, WAAC Chief Executive Dr Sue Barnes explained: “Reflecting demand in the regions, one crew will operate 08:00 hrs until 20:00 hrs. A second crew will operate between 14:00 hrs and 02:00 hrs. Alongside the current highly utilized resources in Dafen and Cardiff, clear evidence shows that this development would see improvements for all parts of Wales.”
Dr Barnes also addressed rumors that WAAC would be removing an aircraft from its primary fleet following the move. She explained: “That’s not the case. The service will continue to be delivered with four helicopters and a fleet of rapid response vehicles.”