Calls for improved Alderney Medevac Service

Monday 20 August 2018

A petition has been launched by an Alderney resident calling for better Medevac services.

Sarah Postlewaite’s online petition is currently signed by 341 people, and was launched because she believes “current arrangements for dealing with evacuation of medical emergencies from Alderney are inadequate and unsafe. The failure to provide round-the-clock cover and efficient evacuation puts health and life at risk.”

In response, a States of Guernsey spokesman said the service had moved to a formalised model.

“Aurigny has for many years provided the medevac service without a formal contract and a change in the type of aircraft used, and the requirement for the airline to recover its operating costs, led to negotiations to formalise the service.

“The medevac contract states that Aurigny will continue to provide a medevac service in support of the community of Alderney. As a result, Aurigny will, if necessary for the expeditious transfer of a patient in urgent need, delay or cancel commercial (scheduled) services as needed.

“Health & Social Care, Employment & Social Security and Policy & Resources have worked with Aurigny to secure the best level of cover that was reasonably possible and for the first time we have a clear and transparent contract that sets out the support available." 

Aurigny would provide the medevac service on a “best endeavours” basis between 5.45am-9pm from January to June, and again from September to December (daily except Fridays). Between the months of July and August (and every Friday throughout the year), Aurigny will provide the service from 05:45-19:30.

“It is important to note that the vast majority of medevacs take place during these operating hours. However, dependable arrangements are in place to ensure alternative transfer options can be utilised at other times if a patient cannot be stabilised ahead of normal service hours and requires medevac. This could include the Leopardess (Sea Fisheries boat), helicopter or marine ambulance,” the spokesman added.

Although a 24-hour-a medevac service was "understandably desirable” for Alderney, all parties involved in the contract negotiation had been unable to find any viable alternative to deliver one. 

“HSC is working with Economic Development to ensure that consideration is given to patient transfer/medevac between Alderney and Guernsey as part of the Public Service Obligation.”