The Ulster Unionist Party has said if a practical proposal for an air ambulance in Northern Ireland is put to the Executive the Party will support it.  

Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA, said:

“The tragic death of Dr John Hinds, the flying doctor, has opened up a wide-ranging public debate regarding whether Northern Ireland requires an air ambulance. The issue had been deliberated over for many years with little sign of a lasting outcome or consensus amongst public opinion. That was until recently when Dr Hinds lost his life doing what he loved best, looking out for the wellbeing of others, and the issue was catapulted right to the centre of attention for people right across the country.

“The fact that over 63,000 people have now taken the time to sign and support a petition to make John's dream of a first class trauma network with an emergency helicopter a reality cannot simply be overlooked. The Northern Ireland Assembly should remain cognisant of broader public opinion if it is to remain a representative body. It is clear that the vast majority of local people want a Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) and therefore I trust the Health Minister has instructed his officials to intensify their work in regards to determining the feasibility of it once and for all.

“If a new proposal can be put together that offers Northern Ireland enhanced trauma care via an air ambulance and can fit in with the existing work of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, I and my Party would be fully supportive of it.”

South Belfast representative, Michael McGimpsey MLA, said:

“During my time at the helm of the DHSSPS the decision of whether or not to provide an air ambulance was one of the most difficult issues facing the Department. Despite the distractions and flawed spending priorities of certain organisations attached to the idea, I always sought to approach the issue in a fair manner. 

“Ultimately at that time the case was still not made for a HEMS and some of those same issues still remain to this day, not least the relationship any new air ambulance would have with the existing Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“Nevertheless if a sensible proposal can be found I would still support it.

“Ultimately however I believe the main priority for the Health Minister right now must be to get to grips with what is clearly a deepening crisis right across the NHS. Hospital waiting lists are spiralling, patient safety is being increasingly compromised, cancer sufferers are being denied life enhancing drugs and staff across the NHS are on the tip of breaking point. These problems are only going to worsen until our health service is given the recognition and support it deserves.”