NHS and Care Volunteer Responders Service

Lord Sikka Excerpts

Tuesday 20th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I share the noble Lord’s view. Various directions are given to volunteers about how to behave when they receive information that may be to do with safeguarding, and where it should go. It is important that volunteers and staff do not keep it to themselves and that action is taken, so I can give the assurance that he seeks.

[Lord Sikka (Lab)]

My Lords, the Air Ambulance Service is a vital part of emergency care. It is a matter of concern and shame that one of the richest countries has to rely primarily on charitable donations, which cannot provide a consistent and stable service. I urge the Minister to ensure that the Air Ambulance Service is properly funded from the public purse.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

There is a role for charitable organisations. One example is hospices. As I have been told many times in this Chamber, as well as outside it, many hospices and other charities, including air ambulances, welcome and relish the freedom they have as charities and do not want government funding or intervention. Of course, we very much respect and appreciate the role that the Air Ambulance Service plays. My own brother was saved some 10 years ago, so I feel very connected to this point. He is grateful, as am I.