Kirsty Williams
Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has described Wales’ ambulance service as being ‘in crisis’ as figures published today showing response times are nearly 10% worse than the same time last year.
Figures released today show that in June 53% of emergency responses to Category A (immediately life-threatening) calls arrived at the scene within 8 minutes, down from 54% in May 2014 and 62.6% in May 2013, and way below the target of 65%. In England and Scotland the target for the same priority calls is 75%.
These figures represent nearly a 10% drop compared to June 2013 last year.
Commenting Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:
“Once again we see ambulance response times getting worse. The current target is not at all ambitious, yet still it is routinely missed.
“These figures remain a national disgrace. To have only half of immediately life-threatening calls responded to within the 8 minute target time is a huge concern.
“There is no hiding from the fact that our ambulance service is in crisis. Monthly targets are missed and there is evidence the problem is getting worse, rather than better. It is shocking that response times are nearly 10% worse now than they were this time last year. Patients deserve better than this.
“Ambulance staff work incredibly hard and do an extremely difficult job. Sadly, they are being forced to work in what is clearly a failing system provided by the Welsh Labour Government.”
