Health Minister Failed to Appoint Ambulance Experts to run Ambulance Service

3.52.33pm GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Today the Health and Social Services Committee discussed the report of the Auditor General and the Ambulance Trust's modernisation proposals.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM said

"I sat on both the Health and Social Services and Audit Committees last term scrutinising the Ambulance Service and have studied the issues in depth.

"The new Chief Exec of the Ambulance Trust has put a strong case forward which shows that he is fully aware of the need to improve and has plans for how to do so. The Auditor General told us during health committee that, of the 50-60 reports he had produced so far this is 'by far and away the most critical'.

"We should all be aware that turning the ambulance service around will be very difficult and will take time.

"One of the issues for the Labour Assembly Government is the criticism that the previous Health Minister failed to appoint people to the Trust Board who knew anything about ambulances and that the Board only met 5 times a year. Although this has changed lately, the Labour Assembly Government must bear responsibility for appointments to the Board and for ensuring they do their job.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats if elected would prioritise the recommendations of the Auditor General's Report and commit to implementing measures identified in the Ambulance Service's own Modernisation Plan. We would provide the investment over 10 years required to provide Wales with an Ambulance Service which is fit for purpose. "

Ends/diwedd

Contact/cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood - 029 2089 8324

Embargo: Immediate