'Dismay' in the Highlands and Islands as air ambulance crew refused £500 NHS bonus

A Highlands and Islands MSP has said he is disappointed that air ambulance crew members have been denied the £500 NHS bonus for working during the Covid emergency.

Shadow health secretary Donald Cameron MSP said he will continue to press government ministers on its decision not to pay vital air ambulance crew members.

Mr Cameron was made aware of the decision by a local air ambulance crew member.

Mr Cameron, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said: ”There will be widespread dismay at this decision across the Highlands and Islands where the Air Ambulance Service is regarded as an integral part of the healthcare team, and whose crew members are literally lifesavers when there are medical emergencies in our remote communities.

“These crews have been on the Covid front line during the pandemic, with the responsibility of taking seriously ill people from home to hospital in often very challenging circumstances.

“Frankly, if the Scottish Government has the flexibility to pay independent contractors like GPs and pharmacists the bonus, they must surely be able to find a way to make the payment to these crew members.

“This decision must be revisited, and I will continue to press SNP ministers to reconsider.”

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