Comment on Welsh Ambulance Inquiry Findings

11.06.53am GMT Mon 4th Dec 2006

Commenting on the Welsh Ambulance Inquiry findings published by the Wales Audit Office today, Welsh Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Jenny Randerson said:

"This report endorses some of the criticisms made by the public and AMs for some time. We have all heard horror stories in the past, and I hope that the publication of this report offers the Ambulance Service a new start. There is certainly optimism now that things can and will get better.

"The recommendations - which fit neatly with the Trust's own Modernisation Plan - offer a clear route towards the kind of Healthcare when-you-need-it that Welsh Liberal Democrats want to see.

"The ground staff have been giving their best in difficult circumstances over the last 12 months. It is now up to the government and Trust management to give them the support and equipment they need to provide a service which will be the envy of our European neighbours.

"The Labour Government tried to prevent this inquiry taking place. It took the combined opposition parties and the Health Minister's clumsy fingers to make it happen. I hope now it is finished the government will see the error of their ways.

"As we enter the final months of this Labour Assembly Government, I hope all parties can agree that the service needs to invest in new equipment if it is to prosper and meet public expectations. Whoever forms the next government will have a duty to ensure that the new management of the Trust are able to ensure ambulance staff have the tools they need to give us the emergency care we all need from time to time."

Notes:

Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to providing a world class emergency health service.

Policies for the forthcoming election will include:

Greater freedom for Paramedics to triage and treat patients on-site, without transferring to hospital, based on 'See and Treat' practice for patients suffering an acute episode of a chronic condition.

Investment in equipment (new ambulances and ICT) to improve in-cab technology and transmission of pre-arrival information.

Developing nurse-led walk-in centres, alongside A&E Departments and GP out-of-hours services, linked to the ambulance service to prevent unnecessary queues for admissions.

Gareth Price

Head of Assembly Group Office - Pennaeth y swyddfa Grwp Cynulliad

Welsh Liberal Democrats - Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru

029 2089 8426

07976 898285

Gareth.price1@wales.gov.uk