Babies will die if LifeFlight not back in the air

National says the Government will have to take responsibility for the risk now posed to young babies and critically ill children by the closure of the ChildFlight air ambulance.

"Labour has allowed this essential and lifesaving service to close after promising it would keep the trust going for three months while it sorted its finances. Yesterday Minister Ruth Dyson made noises about ensuring the service would not be reduced, but today ChildFlight remains grounded.

"Today we have no emergency or intensive care service for any child that happens to be outside Auckland, in places like Invercargill, Wanganui, Greymouth or any town you want to name.

"How can the Government have allowed this to happen? Labour must immediately reinstate this essential service, which has been forced to close because of a ruling that prevents the trust using pokey money to keep it going. We have railed against the Government's intentions to make this the law.

"Last year this ambulance flew 700 patients to Starship and National Women's from around the country. Labour must either reinstate it or explain just how this service will continue. Ministers can't make promises over a lifesaving service like this and then just walk away," Dr Scott said. Ends

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