Ambulance debate - Jenny Randerson comment

3.55.28pm GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

As the report into the recent crisis in the Ambulance service is published, Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Jenny Randerson said:

"The report clearly states that the money provided by the Assembly was not put to the best use. Welsh patients faced delays on emergency calls, staff were overstretched and the service saw three chief executives in three months.

"The Labour Government allowed the service to deteriorate. They appointed inexperienced board members with no knowledge of ambulances, and ignored repeated signals such as bad reports and failure to meet response times. They even questioned the need for this inquiry.

"Wales needs this report to ensure major changes in the service. The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to see ambulances working closely with the other emergency services to serve patients better.

"We would prioritise the report's recommendations for the Ambulance Service, but we would do more than that. We would provide all the investment needed over ten years to modernise the service.

"Brian Gibbons says the report will help the Government learn the lessons of the past. All politicians have a duty to ensure Welsh patients never suffer this kind of mismanagement again."

Notes/Nodiadau:

The inquiry into the Ambulance Service was instigated after the Health Minister Brian Gibbons accidentally voted with the opposition last year.

Ends/Diwedd

WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS DEMOCRATIAID RHYDDFRYDOL CYMRU

Marie Concannon

Caseworker for Michael German AM

Press Assistant to the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group

National Assembly for Wales

02920 898426