9 October 2012
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today called for improvements to the Ambulance Service in the East of England.

Aldous has written to Dr Pamela Crispin, Deputy Chief Executive and Medical Director, after receiving correspondence from and meeting with Waveney constituents with concerns about ambulance response times.

Aldous has also been contracted by local ambulance staff who have expressed their concerns about the proposed changes to work rotas, believing that changes could lead to a poorer service with slower response times.

Aldous met Dr Crispin last week to express his concerns and was assured that the Service is looking to recruit more Paramedics and Emergency Care Assistants to work at the Waveney Depot. Dr Crispin also told Peter that the service will be investing resources in the training of First Responders to help improve cover in rural areas.

Dr Crispin also agreed that a colleague from the Ambulance Service will meet representatives of the Sir James Paget Hospital to look into improving handover times when delivering patients to the Accident and Emergency Unit.

Aldous is now seeking the further views of Waveney constituents in a continuing dialogue to help improve the service across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Mr Aldous said:

“Ambulance services are one of the most important in our community and it is unacceptable for those who need urgent assistance or who are the victims of accidents to experience long waits for an ambulance to attend a serious incident. I am working closely with the Ambulance Service and Waveney constituents to ensure that the service is improved in those areas where there are problems.”