LATEST statistics obtained by Monmouth MP David Davies have revealed that ambulance response times are failing to improve in Monmouthshire.
Figures for Category A emergencies, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show that the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust responded to 50.5 per cent of life threatening calls in Monmouthshire within eight minutes during the 10 months ending 31st January 2010. The current performance target is 60 per cent.
Speaking from his constituency office in Usk, Mr Davies said: “Everywhere in Monmouthshire is well below the Welsh Assembly Government’s minimum monthly performance target for Category A calls.
“Raglan is particularly disgraceful, with a compliance of just 36.8 per cent. In Abergavenny, 45.3 per cent of emergency incidents were answered within eight minutes, while performance in Monmouth was 47.6 per cent. Chepstow was slightly better with a compliance of 51.5 per cent.
“I am not blaming the paramedics here. I have been out with an ambulance crew and I know at first hand how incredibly hard they work.
“The main problem is that there are not enough ambulances. Emergency ambulances that are available tend to be deployed at geographical points where the greatest demand for the service is expected, such as Newport, and are not routinely based in ambulance stations. If it is busy, people with serious illnesses in rural areas are often left to fend for themselves.
“The situation is further exasperated by people inappropriately dialling 999, especially late at night and on weekends where there have been incidents involving alcohol.
“Despite promises of improvement plans and various recommendations, the fact remains that if you live in Monmouthshire you are being put at risk. It’s very worrying indeed and I am seeking a meeting with the Chief Executive, the Chairman and the key officers involved at the Welsh Ambulance Service to discuss the matter further”.