ISSUES OVER AMBULANCE provision in Moray have once again been discussed at the Scottish Parliament this week.
Regional MSP Douglas Ross secured a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Shona Robison, with the Scottish Ambulance Service also represented by Callum Drummond and Lauren McCulloch.
Following the meeting, which Mr Ross said was a perfect opportunity to outline directly with the cabinet secretary the concerns of people in Moray over ambulance provision, the MSP said: “There is no doubt that ambulance staff and technicians are doing an excellent job but often their efforts are hampered by decisions taken by management and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“I am encouraged that there will be 1000 extra ambulance technicians trained over the next five years and I will be campaigning to ensure that as many of these as possible can be based in Moray
“However, I was disappointed to learn at the meeting that the Cabinet Secretary was not aware of issues that have been raised by the Health and Safety Executive. She has now instructed her officials to look into this further, but this was a significant issue in the far North and I expected that Shona Robinson would be fully aware of it.
“I was also advised about the addition of a logistics officer within Dr Gray’s, an appointment that was made following concerns highlighted by staff, including low levels of oxygen available on ambulances and the availability of some ambulances to promptly respond to calls.
“I also spoke to the cabinet secretary about the issues between staff and their unions and management.
“I was assured that the Government is keeping a close eye on this situation and will receive further updates in mid-April when unions and staff meet again to discuss any progress that has been made to alleviate the very real concerns that have been expressed so far.”