Tavish Scott seeks urgent Shetland ambulance meeting (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Tavish Scott seeks urgent Shetland ambulance meeting

December 15, 2008 2:49 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott is arranging a meeting with the Scottish Ambulance Service to discuss the Islands' ambulance cover. This follows concerns about the service brought to Tavish Scott by people across Shetland.

Tavish Scott said, "Shetland's geography is especially demanding for ambulance cover. People need to have confidence that an ambulance can get to all parts of the Islands when one is needed. The ambulance response times in Shetland need to be much improved. It's not just a matter of meeting the Scottish Ambulance Service's Islands performance target of getting to 50% of emergency calls within 8 minutes, they must get to all calls in a reasonable time. They are not doing that.Tavish Scott MSP: Tavish Scott Shetland MSP

They must improve their response to the challenges of the Islands' geography. If that means the crew numbers and vehicles need to be increased, then the numbers should be increased.

"A number of constituents have contacted me regarding ambulance cover. There is no doubt that concern does exist over the standard of service that the Islands are receiving from the Scottish Ambulance Service. I am therefore planning to meet the Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service as soon as possible to discuss the standards of service that Shetland should expect. I will make it clear to the Chief Executive that the recent record of the ambulance service is Shetland is not acceptable and that it needs to be improved, with extra paramedics and vehicles being provided if necessary. It is absolutely essential that the Islands receive the emergency service they need.