New ambulances introduced to service increase in 999 calls in south Shropshire (From Ludlow Advertiser)

New ambulances introduced to service increase in 999 calls in south Shropshire

8:00am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News By Adrian Kibbler

NEW ambulances have been drafted in to south Shropshire in a bid to allay g rowing fears about the ability to respond to emergency calls.

Ambulance chiefs admit that there has been an increase in the number of 999 calls.

Now two additional ambulances have been introduced to help cope with the need for emergency response vehicles in the county.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne became involved after hearing concerns from constituents – including in Ludlow – at the time taken to respond to 999 calls.

This all follows serious concerns about a restructuring of the service, featuring the closure of ambulance stations, including Craven Arms.

Health campaigner Peter Corfield, who is also chairman of the Ludlow Hospital League of Friends, hit out at the changes saying that it seemed only a step away from ‘sub contracting the service to the undertakers.’ As reported in the Advertiser last year senior Ludlow GP Dr Graham Cook also expressed his concern about changes to the ambulance service.

Ambulance chiefs have maintained that the changes did not damage the level of service but provided greater flexibility.

“I am pleased by the rapid action from WMAS to concerns expressed by my constituents over recent responses to emergency calls in south Shropshire,”

said Philip Dunne, Ludlow’s MP.

“The addition of two new high dependency crews will provide greater capacity for emergency crews to respond to 999 calls.

“West Midlands Ambulance Service has been willing to listen directly to families affected at meetings in my of fice this afternoon.

“This responsiveness was appreciated and will help to reassure residents in Shropshire that the ambulance service is listening and taking prompt action.”

Antony Marsh said that immediate action had been taken to address the problem.

“I have taken immediate steps to improve the ambulance cover in Shropshire ensuring that excellent care continues to be provided by our crews,” said Mr Marsh.

“My staff are doing an outstanding job and working exceptionally hard to ensure high quality care is maintained and I am very proud of everything they are doing despite significant increases in 999 calls.

“I assure Shropshire residents that I will continue to monitor the situation and will take further action if required.”

Health issues are back on the agenda in Ludlow and south Shropshire with Mr Dunne trying to sort out an issue that is putting doubt over hopes for the £27 million hospital and health village.