This Council:
Condemns the plans of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to remove the rapid response vehicles from Monmouth and Chepstow ambulance stations as part of its National Roster Review.
Believes that downgrading these stations will put the lives of residents in the Monmouth, Chepstow and Caldicot areas at risk, at a time when response time targets for immediately life-threatening category A calls are already being consistently missed, despite the best efforts of paramedics and frontline NHS workers.
Opposes any move to downgrade ambulance stations in Monmouthshire and calls on WAST and the Welsh Government to scrap these plans.
Minutes:
This Council:
Condemns the plans of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to remove the rapid response vehicles from Monmouth and Chepstow ambulance stations as part of its National Roster Review.
Believes that downgrading these stations will put the lives of residents in the Monmouth, Chepstow and Caldicot areas at risk, at a time when response time targets for immediately life-threatening category A calls are already being consistently missed, despite the best efforts of paramedics and frontline NHS workers.
Opposes any move to downgrade ambulance stations in Monmouthshire and calls on WAST and the Welsh Government to scrap these plans.
Seconded by County Councillor J. Treharne, echoing the comments of Councillor John that the plans could leave Monmouth with no ambulance cover, are dangerous and should be scrapped. The changes could put many lives at risk particularly older and vulnerable people in Monmouth and Parkwall. We need to press for proper NHS infrastructure in our towns. Paramedics should have proper facilities.
Mr. G Bright was thanked for bringing this matter to our attention.
County Councillor L. Jones MS supported the motion denouncing the proposals as dangerous and life threatening.
It was questioned if poor weather had been taken into account and how easily paramedics would locate patients in unfamiliar, rural areas where SatNav doesn’t work well. Have the impacts on mortality and morbidity had been assessed and emphasised that time is a critical element in life threatening circumstances. Several Members referred to the Golden Hour for treatment to improve survival chances.
It was commented that the proposals would have a detrimental effect across the whole county and residents will be at great risk.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that there were a lot of concerns and fears for residents. He proposed an amendment to the motion as follows:
“calls on Welsh Ambulance Service Trust
(WAST) and Welsh Government to scrap these plans and for the
Leader and local MSs to meet the Chief Executive (WAST) as soon as
possible to discuss this matter.”
Seconded by County Councillor M. Groucutt echoing the importance of the time element in emergencies recalling his personal experience.
The motion was amended by agreement as follows:
“calls on Welsh Ambulance Service Trust
(WAST) and the Welsh Government the Health and Social Care
Minister to scrap these plans and for the Leader and local MSs to
meet the Chief Executive (WAST) as soon as possible to discuss this
matter.”
Upon being put to the vote, the amended motion was carried becoming the substantive motion
Services should be upgraded for Monmouth and Parkwall. Concerns were expressed for seriously ill patients unable to travel to hospital by private car in emergency circumstances.
It was questioned why a Manchester based company had undertaken the National Roster Review for the WAST leading to these proposals. There should be more rapid response vehicles, not less, due to the demographics of high numbers of older residents and the size of the county.
It was added that assistance is provided by the Fire Service to provide emergency response.
It is unacceptable to have ambulances queued at The Grange University Hospital.
It was questioned if the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board had any alternatives to address the concerns such as improved systems.
County Councillor P. Fox MS expressed concerns about the proposals especially in such a large rural area and would have appreciated better communication.
The Leader thanked the many Councillors who shared their personal experiences. NHS workers are held in the highest regard. Disappointment was expressed that it has taken two months to arrange a meeting with the WAST. The fallback position of additional emergency response vehicles crossing into Monmouthshire from the Gwent region was not acceptable.
Upon being put to a vote the substantive motion was carried.