Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“On Monday I will have the privilege of hosting a world expert on Air Ambulance provision, Dr Brian Burns, at Stormont. Dr Burns is an Emergency Physician from Sydney, Australia.
“He will speak at an information event in Stormont’s Senate Chamber at 11am which the media are welcome to attend and film. Dr Burns will be available to speak to the media after the event.
“Dr Burns will be introduced by Dr Janet Acheson, the partner of the late Dr John Hinds, who championed air ambulance provision before his tragic death in July. Other members of the Hinds family will also be in attendance.
“It is the ambition of Dr Hinds’ family that the cause that was so dear to his heart might reach fruition with the full provision of an air ambulance service in Northern Ireland. The Minister has taken a step in the right direction, but there needs to be much greater commitment than a mere £200,000 a year. The Department should show its bona fides by capital funding the acquisition and equipping of the helicopter. That would show an example to charitable organisations, which are more than willing to help in the continual running of the service.
“I trust that this event will help to move the campaign forward.”
Note on speaker
Dr. Brian Burns Emergency Physician, Sydney, Australia. Prehospital & Retrieval Specialist and Research Director, Sydney HEMS, NSW Ambulance Service. Director of Trauma, Orange Health Service, NSWA/Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Sydney https://about.me/burnsbrian https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian_Burns7 @HawkmoonHEMS