Despite hearing reports of progress in keeping the books balanced, the Trust has failed to explain the recent and sudden deterioration in Ambulance response times.

Firefighters have expressed grave concern over delays, and the police have been reported to ferry patients to hospital.  The Trust response was that they were hitting performance targets “extremely” which appeared to ignore the legitimate concerns raised by the County Health Scrutiny committee.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Nick Hollinghurst  said, “Hitting tightly defined targets and ticking boxes is one thing,
but performance and perceptions out here in the real world are what count.  Recent press reports are extremely disappointing, especially after the successful innovations which we’ve seen in the past.”

The Trust highlighted as a particular problems incidents where an ambulance is required to the follow up a response by a single
paramedic.  In addition handover delays at Hospitals have resulted in ambulances being unable to get back out to the next call.

The Trust have however promised that more specialised staff are being recruited and changes in the control centre are also being made.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris White commented: “We welcome the recognition that something must be done to improve this unacceptable situation.  The Liberal Democrats will be keeping a close eye on developments and will ensure that the Trust are held to account.”