Helicopter fears are 'unfounded'

The original contract between the two services ends this year

Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) has denied the Wiltshire air ambulance service is under threat.

Wiltshire police said it was concerned that if GWAS pulled out of the partnership it would leave the force with a funding shortfall of �500,000.

GWAS said the helicopter was being examined as part of a clinical review.

"We've asked the police for a shorter two-year lease so that we can examine all the options available," a trust spokeswoman said.

'Contract re-negotiation'

Spokeswoman Deborah Ginns added: "We are committed to providing effective air ambulance cover to the people of Wiltshire and with it, the best clinical care possible. We want to continue our relationship with the police.

"The contract for the air ambulance is in the process of being re-negotiated with the police and we are seeking a two year extension whilst we are undertaking a review of the best clinical ways of providing services to patients."

The air ambulance is part funded by Wiltshire Air Ambulance Trust and is one of two operated in partnership with the police - the other being Gloucestershire's helicopter.

As part of the clinical review GWAS is looking at the possibility of a third helicopter operated out of Bristol.

If the funding was diverted to a new Bristol helicopter it could leave Wiltshire Police with a �500,000 shortfall.

Chief Constable Brian Moore has previously said he could not see where the money was going to come from and that he was not prepared to trade police officers or members of the force to keep the aircraft in the air.

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