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Wednesday, 23rd July 2008

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Ambulance removal threat sparks outrage



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Communities in north Carrick have been left fuming at plans by the Scottish Ambulance Service to remove paramedic services from the area.


These changes would see the introduction of a rapid response vehicle in place of the ambulances in Maybole.
Peter Mason, chairman of Maybole Community Council, has called for a public meeting, after finding out about the move through the press last week.
Mr Mason said: "The withdrawal of the ambulance service in Maybole and surrounding district will effect every village within the KA19 postcode.
"Bearing in mind that there are villages situated seven miles inland from the A77, the lack of an ambulance with two paramedics on board will have serious consequences.
"The number of serious accidents on the A77 between Minishant and south of Maybole and, at present the lack of a bypass must surely warrant the service to remain in Maybole.
"This public meeting is a chance for everyone in this area to air their views.
"How many of you, your family and friends owe their lives to the ambulance crew of Maybole?
"Consider the consequences if they had to wait on an ambulance coming from Ayr.
"Come to our public meeting on May 12 at 7.30pm in Maybole Town Hall and have your say."
Mr Mason has been in contact with local Holyrood politician Cathy Jamieson to find out if she could confirm whether these moves were to become a reality.
The Carrick MSP has been in talks with the Scottish Ambulance Service who told her that they were "reviewing ambulance provision across the area" and will communicate this when a final decision has been made.
Ms Jamieson said: "There must be no cuts or reduction in the level of service in Ayrshire.
"Over recent days constituents from the Doon Valley, Maybole and Girvan have contacted me to express their concerns following the national press reports."
She also expressed her disappointment in not receiving any word from SAS. She added: "I am disappointed that I have yet to receive any detailed information from the Ambulance Service about their proposed changes.
"When I met with the Ambulance Service I made it clear that the views of local communities must be taken into account of before any decision is taken.
"The Ambulance Service's recent announcement in the press that they intend to replace the ambulance at Maybole with a new rapid response unit has only caused alarm and deep concern among residents of the town and the surrounding villages.
"Local Ambulance crews do an excellent job, and I have had glowing reports from constituents about their professionalism.
"Any attempt to reduce the level of emergency services will be strongly resisted locally."
Maybole and North Carrick Councillor Brian Connolly added: "This would not be a good move for the Carrick residents, a view shared by the front-line operators.
"We seem to be chasing targets rather than tending to those that require the emergency services."
Mr Mason has extended an invite to SAS to attend the meeting to give them the chance to hear for themselves the concerns residents of Maybole and the surrounding area.
However, a spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Services told the Gazette he denied that these moves would harm the area but infact bring benefits.
He said: "Yes we are introducing a rapid response unit in the Maybole area, but we think it will improve the service in the area.
"Currently it's a part time coverage in Maybole and now we will have full time coverage that will be manned for 24 hours.
"Right now we offer coverage through the day but at night the paramedics are at home on standby.
"By doing this we are improving the response cover in the area. Its viewed by Scottish Ambulance Services as an upgrading of cover in the area."

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  • Last Updated: 08 May 2008 4:06 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Girvan, Scotland
 
 
  

 
 

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