MP REPORTS ALARMING INCREASE IN AMBULANCE SERVICE COMPLAINTS

DAVID Davies MP has reported an alarming increase in the number of complaints he has received about the state of the ambulance service in Monmouthshire.

Over the past month, Mr Davies has referred numerous cases to the Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust for investigation. All centre on the length of time it took for an ambulance to respond to a 999 call.

The latest response times show that far from improving, the Welsh Ambulance Service's performance is steadily deteriorating.

"Many people in Monmouthshire who dial 999 hoping for a swift and efficient emergency response from trained paramedics are simply not getting it," said Mr Davies.

"In one case, a 92 year-old woman from Monmouth was left lying on the floor with a broken hip for two hours in a state of shock and acute pain before an ambulance arrived. Sadly, she died in hospital a few days later.

"This particular incident painfully demonstrates that the level of emergency cover in Monmouthshire is woefully inadequate, a fact which the devastated daughter believes played a significant role in her mother's death.

"The main problem is that emergency ambulances are deployed at geographical points where the greatest demand for the service is expected, such as Newport, and are not routinely based in ambulance stations. This means that if it is busy, people in Monmouthshire who need an ambulance in an emergency are waiting much longer than they should have to.

"The current system is clearly failing, as the number of cases which have been brought to my attention over the past month proves beyond doubt. The ambulance service in Monmouthshire remains one of my top priorities and I will continue to campaign vigorously until improvements are made."