Eddisbury News
Local MPs & politicians secure First Responder & ambulance response time victory
Following a sustained campaign by Eddisbury MP (Shadow Health Minister) Stephen O’Brien, Crewe & Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, local representatives, and First Responders, an agreement has been secured with the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) on ambulance provision for rural Eddisbury, and in particular Audlem, Nantwich and the surrounding areas.
The Chief Executive of NWAS, Darren Hurrell, has agreed the following with Stephen O'Brien MP, Edward Timpson MP, Councillor Bill McGinnis (Nantwich Town Council) and Gavin Palin (Community First Responder):
• Community First Responder Gavin Palin will be able to drive under a blue light, and given extra medical training
• A new ambulance will be based out of Nantwich, operating 16 hours a day, every day, covering the peak afternoon and early evening period (beginning 1 March)
• Ambulance response times for rural Cheshire will be reviewed at quarterly meetings over the next 12 months to assess the impact of these new services
Welcoming the agreement Stephen O'Brien said: “I am delighted that after many years of campaigning to improve ambulance response times and emergency responding in rural Eddisbury – and in particular the Audlem and Nantwich areas – that NWAS has pledged to address local concerns through the agreement we have reached.
“Our combined campaign has achieved a positive result for local people. The provision of an additional ambulance operating from Nantwich should help to improve the terrible response times we have seen in rural parts of Eddisbury, like Audlem and the surrounding areas, where the level of service has been extremely poor.
“We will be continuing to monitor ambulance response times in our rural areas through regular quarterly meetings, as well as, the benefits of the improved First Responder training and use of the blue light by Gavin Palin.”
Bill McGinnis commented: "We are obviously delighted with the outcome, and congratulate the new Chief Executive of NWAS for the swift review which he carried out on taking office, and its speedy conclusion. We look forward to have fully functioning Community First Responders in action once again, as well as the new ambulance, not only for Nantwich but the surrounding villages. The Town Council is obviously delighted."
Gavin Palin commented: “I need to thank local people for their support; in particular Ann Ostredge who organised our petition. The lobbying by Stephen, Edward and Bill has also been invaluable to our cause. It's great news that the new Chief Executive has restored my blue light, and recognised the importance of having skilled Community First Responders in the town though training them to a higher medical level."
Darren Hurrell, Chief Executive of NWAS, commented: “The Trust has always taken this issue extremely seriously and any decisions are made by placing the patient at the heart of the issue, whilst ensuring good governance is in place. I am delighted that continued discussions with local people and their representatives, who are extremely passionate about the care they receive, have resulted in a proposal that enables us to move forward. In restoring Gavin’s ability to use blue lights, we have recognised the unique and special skills that he brings to his role as a Community First Responder (CFR).
“I look forward to continuing to work with local residents to develop the CFR scheme further.”