Guernsey Medevac Contract Dispute Heard in Court
Lt-Bailiff Hazel Marshall is considering a judicial review into the procurement process for air ambulance services.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Law
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A judge has retired to consider a judicial review regarding the medical evacuation contract tender process in Guernsey and Jersey. Gama Aviation has challenged the appointment of 247 Aviation, citing concerns over transparency and shifting requirements.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on how the islands handle critical health infrastructure contracts, potentially setting a precedent for future procurement transparency. The outcome will determine if the legal challenge against the new operator proceeds.
The contract involves the provision of air ambulance services operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The dispute specifically challenges the joint procurement process utilized by the States of Guernsey and Jersey.
The players
Hazel Marshall
Lt-Bailiff Marshall is the presiding judge tasked with determining if the judicial review into the medical evacuation contract will move forward.
Gama Aviation
Gama Aviation is an aviation services firm that has provided air ambulance support for Guernsey and Jersey since 2020.
States of Guernsey
The States of Guernsey is the government body responsible for the medical evacuation contract tender process that is currently under legal scrutiny.
247 Aviation
247 Aviation is the service provider appointed by the States of Guernsey to take over the air ambulance operations.
The details
Gama Aviation, the incumbent provider since 2020, alleges a lack of transparency and claims Jersey altered aircraft requirements late in the tender process. The States of Guernsey maintains that the request for a judicial review was not filed with sufficient promptness.
Timeline
Gama Aviation began providing air ambulance services in August 2020.
Lt-Bailiff Hazel Marshall retired to consider the judicial review verdict on October 8, 2026.
Political Context
The legal challenge follows a pattern set by standard public procurement transparency regulations regarding fair bidding processes. Opposition advocates argue that such judicial reviews are essential to ensure government contracts remain free from arbitrary changes during the tender phase.
The legal uncertainty surrounding the tender could impact the continuity and reliability of urgent medical evacuation services for local residents. The outcome will clarify the regulatory standards for government contract bids, affecting how future service providers operate in the region.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case will establish whether current tender processes for essential services meet legal transparency requirements. Reliable, continuous air ambulance access remains a vital priority for island health infrastructure.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guernsey Press.
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