EMRTS Service Review: Recommendation 4 Task and Finish Group Update

Dear Stakeholders, 

Following the completion of the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Services (EMRTS) Service Review, I want to update you on the implementation of the recommendations approved by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) on 23 April 2024.

The Review recommended consolidating the EMRTS bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon into a single North Wales site and proposed additional service for rural and remote areas. The approved Recommendation 4 involves developing a bespoke enhanced road-based critical care service and is in response to the feedback received during the engagement phases of the Review.

The Recommendation 4 Task and Finish Group has been established, comprising EMRTS, the Welsh Ambulance Service, all Health Boards in Wales from a variety of clinical, operational, planning and governance professions. It also includes a regional representative from Llais who will have speaking rights at the meetings, but not voting rights to ensure their independence is maintained. The final proposal is expected to be considered by the Committee in October 2024.

Meanwhile, the Wales Air Ambulance Charity is in the process of securing a new operational base, while EMRTS focuses on developing the operational implementation plan and supporting staff through the transition.

The Committee will receive regular Recommendation 4 Task and Finish Group progress reports in the development and implementation process. Details of NWJCC Committee dates, agendas, and papers are available to the public on the NWJCC website.

I trust this is a helpful update and will continue to issue these briefings throughout the implementation process. 

Best regards

Stephen Harrhy
Director of Commissioning Ambulance and 11