The Welsh Ambulance Service in Powys is running at 'unacceptable' performance levels, with unfilled staff vacancies and a lack of resources, it was revealed today.
Labour Assembly Member for Powys JOYCE WATSON AM said:
"These findings echo the concerns local people have told me about their services, and urgent action must be taken to tackle this.
"I must pay tribute to the hard work of our staff, but they need support to reach the standards which Powys residents expect.
"Delays in treatment can have a huge impact on recovery, and training and resources for those who give first response are crucial.
"I have spoken to the minister about this, and I will be seeking meetings locally to track progress on this."
In her Assembly statement on the Review of the Welsh Ambulance Service Health and Social Services Minister EDWINA HART said:
"I am particularly concerned about services in Powys. Performance is unacceptable and there is considerable public concern at the resources available in the region and the number of staff vacancies that have remained unfilled for many months.
While we all recognise that there are different demands in delivering emergency services in sparsely populated areas, the people of Powys must be assured that when they have an emergency, the service will be there for them, and that they will receive the same of level of care as any other resident in Wales.
The solution to delivering high quality, responsive, emergency services in Powys is wider than the Welsh Ambulance Service. I know that Powys LHB and the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust are working with partner organisations to develop new models of care and I have asked officials to ensure that this work is progressed and to report back to me in 6 months."
-