Air ambulance flying again, but drug issue remains

The helicopter, which is operated by a charity, offers rapid-response lifesaving treatment

An air ambulance service grounded over an administrative error will be deployed to some incidents again, despite lacking a licence to carry controlled drugs.

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) was suspended on 31 January, after the charity failed to meet a deadline for the renewal of the licence.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), which dispatches the helicopter, said operations resumed on Thursday afternoon after it held discussions with the charity "to explore safe alternative deployment and support options".

EMAS said it would be working with LNAA to "resolve the issues around the controlled drugs licence".

In a joint statement, EMAS and LNAA said dispatches had resumed following "significant clinical engagement and collaborative planning".

LNAA said it was "back online and ready to respond".

Previously, EMAS said the aircraft should be not be dispatched because of a "higher risk to patient safety" without a "supply of appropriate controlled drugs".

EMAS said it had made the decision "based on national clinical advice and best practice".

But on Thursday, EMAS said it had "resumed the dispatch" of the air ambulance to "support the provision of clinical care".

LNAA chief Karen Jobling has said she is "deeply sorry" for a "paperwork error"

"Both organisations will continue to work very closely together for the benefit of our communities, and to resolve the issues around the controlled drugs licence," EMAS added.

The BBC understands the air ambulance will respond to some incidents while work continues to secure the drugs.

Karen Jobling, the chief executive of the air ambulance charity, previously said an internal investigation had begun into why the licence was not renewed in time.

"This is an admin error. They do occur. It's regrettable," she said.

The BBC has contacted the Home Office for comment. A spokesperson previously said: "We are actively discussing Lincolnshire and Nottingham Air Ambulance Charitable Trust's application with them."

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