Neil Gray is pictured with SCAA chief executive David Craig, SCAA chairperson Robbie Brown, paramedics Wendy Jubb and Rich Garside and SCAA pilot captain Gav Rowley. (Image: Maureen Young)

Minister visits Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance Perth HQ

by · Daily Record

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Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance played host to a visit from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray at the charity’s Perth HQ base on Friday October 25.

The Cabinet Secretary spent over an hour with charity leaders and frontline pilot and paramedic crew members as he toured the facility at Perth Airport.

SCAA, launched in 2013, operates its Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) from its bases at Perth and Aberdeen.

Tasked through the 999 system, the two charity-funded aircraft and rapid response vehicles operate alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service’s air assets, ensuring rapid pre-hospital care and speedy transfer to hospital for those most seriously ill or injured – particularly in remote and rural or island communities.

SCAA CEO David Craig said they were delighted to host the Cabinet Secretary and let him see first-hand the role of the charity air ambulance service and the vital part it plays in the nation’s emergency response network.

“Over the last decade, SCAA donors have donated millions of pounds to support the work of the charity and, in turn, have contributed to the resilience of Health and Social Care in Scotland, helping to improve patient outcomes.

“While receiving no Government funding, SCAA works closely with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service and it’s important that our elected MSPs and ministers know of the reliance the country has on our charity-funded life-saving operation.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I was delighted to visit Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and to meet their hard-working crew. Their quick response is vital in saving the lives of people particularly those living in remote and rural areas.

“It was really encouraging to hear of their future ambitions and how the service has grown since responding to their first incident in 2013.

“I look forward to working closely with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and the Scottish Ambulance Service as they continue to improve the resilience of our emergency responders who provide such an important service to people across Scotland.”

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