Diss wins fight to save ambulance
The MP for South Norfolk has praised a decision by the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EAAST) to keep two vital ambulances stationed at Diss.
Richard Bacon demanded talks with ambulance bosses last year ahead of a decision to reduce Diss station’s capacity from two 24-hour ambulances to one 24-hour ambulance, leaving the area with what he described as ‘inadequate cover.’
But following an announcement by EEAST last week, which stated 15 extra ambulances would be provided across the region, Mr Bacon said he was glad to see the right kind of action was being taken.
“There was some serious concern, and not just by me, but other MPs in the eastern region who were being approached by their ambulance crews,” he said. “I’m pleased EEAST has taken action for Diss, as it is such an important area in relation to south Norfolk that plainly needs to provide a well-staffed ambulance service.”
Diss was set to lose one of its ambulances on March 4 and gain a rapid response vehicle. But now, the town will keep both its ambulances and gain the response vehicle which will be available ten hours a day, seven days a week. EEAST interim chief executive Andrew Morgan, said: “After reviewing the situation and listening to patient and staff feedback, it became clear that getting more double-staffed ambulances out there was a priority that would directly benefit patients and reduce waiting times.”
Mr Bacon said that it was good news, but questioned why the trust got into that position.
“I’m glad about this, although I wish we didn’t have to get to the point where ambulance crews were worried sick having to come to see MPs across the region,” he said.
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Weather for Diss
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North
