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Ambulance service shortage fears MSPs express ambulance concerns
(about 2 hours later)
"Serious questions" need to be asked about the impact of changes in the Scottish Ambulance Service, Labour has claimed. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has been ordered by MSPs to make a statement to parliament on the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The party's health spokeswoman, Margaret Curran, said she had been told of staffing shortages, dirty ambulances and possible industrial action. It follows Labour claims that funding cuts have led to crew shortages, possible strikes and dirty ambulances.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon promised she would consider seriously any evidence of such shortcomings. Speaking at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon promised to consider evidence seriously, but said performance in the service was much improved.
But she claimed the performance of the service was actually much improved. MSPs voted for a Lib Dem parliamentary motion calling for the statement.
Speaking during a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Curran highlighted the issue of switching from ambulances with two crew members to rapid-response vehicles staffed by one person. Labour health spokeswoman Margaret Curran highlighted the issue of switching from ambulances with two crew members to rapid-response vehicles staffed by one person.
She said: "There are serious questions being asked about what the changes to the ambulance service are, why they have been introduced and the actual impact they are having."She said: "There are serious questions being asked about what the changes to the ambulance service are, why they have been introduced and the actual impact they are having."
She called for an "external evaluation," but that was rejected by Ms Sturgeon. If there is concern about these developments the service must increase its efforts in this regard Nicola SturgeonHealth Secretary
I am told because staff are under pressure ambulances are not being properly cleaned, which could give rise to infection Margaret Curran Labour health spokeswoman Raising further concerns during a Holyrood debate, Ms Curran went on: "I am told vacant shifts are not currently being covered because of budgetary restrictions. I am told there are as many as 25 shifts per day short in Glasgow city alone.
The health secretary argued there was "no doubt" that improvements were linked to the decision taken last November to expand the use of rapid-response vehicles. "I am told, because staff are under pressure, ambulances are not being properly cleaned, which could give rise to infection. And I am told we have the prospect of industrial unrest."
She said: "This approach is intended to improve response times, which are of the utmost importance to patients, to reduce unnecessary patient journeys and improve overall experience." Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie claimed there were "serious public misgivings" about aspects of the ambulance service, while the Tories also called for a full debate on the issue.
She added it was currently being "externally and independently evaluated" in the Lanarkshire area. He said the British Medical Association was unhappy about the number of single-manned emergency call-outs.
The Tories echoed the concerns, calling for a full debate on the issues. But Ms Sturgeon said there was "no doubt" that improvements were linked to the decision taken last November to expand the use of rapid-response vehicles.
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie claimed there were "serious public misgivings" about aspects of the ambulance service. She said: "This approach is intended to improve response times, which are of the utmost importance to patients, to reduce unnecessary patient journeys and improve overall experience.
He said the British Medical Association (BMA) was unhappy about the number of single-manned emergency call-outs. "It will also lead to a net increase in the number of emergency vehicles in the ambulance service fleet."
Ms Curran also raised a number of other concerns about the service, telling MSPs: "I am told that vacant shifts are not currently being covered because of budgetary restrictions. I am told there are as many as 25 shifts per day short in Glasgow city alone. "If there is concern about these developments the service must increase its efforts in this regard and I will ensure that it does so."
"I am told that because staff are under pressure, ambulances are not being properly cleaned, which could give rise to infection.
"And I am told we have the prospect of industrial unrest."