AMBULANCE TRUST MUST 'COME CLEAN' WITH PUBLIC TO PUT THINGS RIGHT (Walsall Liberal Democrats)

Walsall Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

AMBULANCE TRUST MUST 'COME CLEAN' WITH PUBLIC TO PUT THINGS RIGHT

December 20, 2008 11:09 AM

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt is calling on the Ambulance Trust bosses to 'come clean' over reported problems following the recent closure of Bransford and transfer of 999 emergency call handling to Brierley Hill.

Mr Burt, who campaigned with staff to save Bransford and is currently training to be a volunteer Community First Responder in Worcestershire with the Ambulance Service, said bosses must 'come clean' on any problems as a result of the transfer in order to gain public confidence and support to help put it right.

"Things clearly haven't gone according to plan, and if staff are speaking out then it is because they are concerned for patient safety.

"It would be a terrible mistake to try to disguise problems by blaming poor performance entirely on the increase in call volumes.

"We cannot easily turn the clock back on the decision to close Bransford. I wish we could.

"So whether it is staffing, systems, call volumes or a combination of factors, the public needs to know. It's no good trying to hide problems because people won't believe it and they will lose confidence in the service.

"We were told that Worcestershire and Herefordshire calls would be handled in Brierley Hill by local staff. However, only 11 out of 28 staff transferred to the Black Country control, and not one is a dedicated call taker.

"I have written to the Chief Executive of the Ambulance Trust today to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss these concerns and to ask for information on call volumes, performance figures, and also complaints from staff and the public in the periods preceding and following the closure of Bransford earlier this month.