Ambulance Service misses targets - Jenny Randerson comment

12.57.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Aug 2008

Commenting on the release of figures showing that the Ambulance Service missed it's target for emergency responses in June, Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Jenny Randerson AM said:

"It is disappointing that the Service missed the All Wales target for emergency responses. I am deeply concerned that the service fell below the target in half of all LHB areas. The figures for Torfaen and Monmouthshire are shocking, though I am pleased to see the progress being made in Powys.

"The All-Wales target has been met in the past so it is very worrying to see it fail this time. As I have repeatedly warned, the level of debt that the Ambulance Service is facing is preventing the investment that is needed to put this situation right. It is time for action on this."

NOTES:

The statistics for June 2008 are available at:

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/health2008/hdw200808062/?lang=en

Targets for first response were missed at an all wales level and in half of the LHB areas.

The standard for emergency patient transport was also missed and is down from 12 months ago.