Cotwold MP warns of ambulance danger (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cotwold MP warns of ambulance danger

LIVES could be put at risk if plans to merge Gloucestershire, Avon and Wiltshire ambulance services go ahead according to Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown.

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons, Mr Clifton-Brown warned the merger could have a dire effect on current services due to the loss of specialist local knowledge.

He said: "I do not believe that the same local knowledge will be employed.

"There is also a further fear that if the number of ambulances in rural areas is cut and a paramedic in a car is sent instead, that will not be the same as a full team of ambulance drivers arriving to help somebody with a possible cardiac arrest and able to help them in difficult circumstances."

Mr Clifton-Brown also suggested the exercise was more about improving the efficiency of Avon Ambulance Trust.

Both Avon and Wiltshire ambulance services are currently classified as no-star trusts by the Healthcare Commission where as Gloucestershire has a two-star rating.

"I believe that the only reason for this merger is financial," he said. "That is an appalling way to run our National Health Service. My constituents want to be reassured that at some of the most difficult times that we may unfortunately have to face we can get an ambulance fast and efficiently."

The news of a possible merger between the three ambulance trusts was announced last week in a bid to provide better service for patients.

The move, which would see Gloucestershire combine with Wiltshire and Avon Services, is the result of a consultation process which started earlier this year.

If it is successful the new 'super trust' could go ahead within the next twelve-months.

Philip Selwood from Gloucestershire Ambulance Trust insisted the merger would not result in a loss of local knowledge.

He said: "It's definitely about local services. Even within the county of Gloucestershire what suits Gloucester and Cheltenham is not the same for the Cotswolds. It's not about Gloucestershire crews doing anything other than serving the people of Gloucestershire.

"There are certainly boundary issues but it's not about running people from Gloucester to Salisbury.

"It's about keeping services local, it's about designing services to meet local needs."

Melanie Chiswell, communications officer for Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority also rejected Mr Clifton-Brown's comments.

She explained the merger was not to save money as it would be ploughed back into the existing services and redistributing funds to where they are needed.

She also dismissed the idea that local knowledge would be lost, saying the new service, if it went ahead would mean people living in Tetbury or Malmesbury and other communities close to county borders, would be served by the nearest crew not the nearest within their county.

"We think this is a positive thing," she said. "We understand people's fears and changes are worrying but we are open to listen to what they have to say before we make a final decision."