22 August 2008
The Health Care Commission report into the death of Rebecca Wedd and the performance of the Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) has provoked a strong response from Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown.
Mr Clifton-Brown who has been closely involved with the case said today that “Whilst this report can only awaken poignant memories for Rebecca’s family, I hope that the pain can be eased even in the smallest way through the knowledge that through this report their daughter’s death will not be in vain”
The MP accepts that the Great Western Ambulance Service have made improvements since this incident, particularly with the new Computer Despatch Software, unfortunately, there has also been one or two other shocking incidents in this period as well, including one fatality. As such Mr Clifton-Brown believes that GWAS has some way to go before he and residents of the Cotswolds feel that they have an ambulance service that is able to cope when emergencies occur.
The MP added “Furthermore, they need work with increased haste and honesty in dealing with enquiries as and when they arise. I recently had to threaten an adjournment debate if a reply to a recent piece of correspondence was not answered immediately.”
“I therefore call on GWAS to implement the five recommendations of the health care commission in full and to consider whether they have sufficient capability to deal with an area as large and as rural as the Cotswolds, particularly during the busy Friday and Saturday night periods.”
Mr Clifton-Brown who has been closely involved with the case said today that “Whilst this report can only awaken poignant memories for Rebecca’s family, I hope that the pain can be eased even in the smallest way through the knowledge that through this report their daughter’s death will not be in vain”
The MP accepts that the Great Western Ambulance Service have made improvements since this incident, particularly with the new Computer Despatch Software, unfortunately, there has also been one or two other shocking incidents in this period as well, including one fatality. As such Mr Clifton-Brown believes that GWAS has some way to go before he and residents of the Cotswolds feel that they have an ambulance service that is able to cope when emergencies occur.
The MP added “Furthermore, they need work with increased haste and honesty in dealing with enquiries as and when they arise. I recently had to threaten an adjournment debate if a reply to a recent piece of correspondence was not answered immediately.”
“I therefore call on GWAS to implement the five recommendations of the health care commission in full and to consider whether they have sufficient capability to deal with an area as large and as rural as the Cotswolds, particularly during the busy Friday and Saturday night periods.”
