1 November 2006
Relocation of 999 call handling to Avon.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown today expressed his concern at the recent decision made by the Great Western Ambulance Service to relocate call handling of Gloucestershire’s “999” Ambulance calls from Quedgeley in Gloucester to Avon.
Mr Clifton-Brown said:
“I am relieved to hear that the despatch of ambulances will continue to be handled at Quedgeley, and that the GWAS Avon Control room has a more modern computer system to handle calls more efficiently. However, many parts of rural Gloucestershire are very remote, and the benefit of having a local call centre is an element of local knowledge. This can mean awareness of the locations of small villages and hamlets or regarding local conditions, for example a local accident or bad weather. “
Mr Clifton-Brown added:
“With lives at risk in emergency situations, I very much hope that the faith the GWAS have in its new system is justified.”
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown today expressed his concern at the recent decision made by the Great Western Ambulance Service to relocate call handling of Gloucestershire’s “999” Ambulance calls from Quedgeley in Gloucester to Avon.
Mr Clifton-Brown said:
“I am relieved to hear that the despatch of ambulances will continue to be handled at Quedgeley, and that the GWAS Avon Control room has a more modern computer system to handle calls more efficiently. However, many parts of rural Gloucestershire are very remote, and the benefit of having a local call centre is an element of local knowledge. This can mean awareness of the locations of small villages and hamlets or regarding local conditions, for example a local accident or bad weather. “
Mr Clifton-Brown added:
“With lives at risk in emergency situations, I very much hope that the faith the GWAS have in its new system is justified.”
