Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“In July we had the tragic death of Dr John Hinds. Just three weeks before his death he and I had met the Health Minister to press the case for a Northern Ireland Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
“Dr Hinds was a man who displayed a very clear passion for improving the provision of emergency treatment. He was able to present a clear and compelling case for an air ambulance and displayed a knowledge of the issue which was second to none.
“Next Tuesday a petition in support of the service will be presented to the Assembly – if that fact speeded the minister’s announcement, then, so much the better. I therefore greatly welcome today’s announcement by the Health Minister in which he commits to the establishment of a HEMS service in Northern Ireland.
“It is imperative that this service is in place as soon as possible so that lives are saved.
“The provision of the service in Northern Ireland will be a fitting tribute to Dr Hinds.”