A local AM has supported calls for an immediate investigation into ambulance response times in Wales, following figures which show performance in Powys has hit a record low.
The 65% target for ambulances responding to immediately life-threatening category A calls has been missed every month since current records began in December 2011 and in December 2014, performance in Powys fell to 51.6%.
Russell George, local AM for Montgomeryshire said:
“It’s nothing new that the Welsh Ambulance Service repeatedly fails to meet its performance targets for life threatening emergency calls. However, the fact that performance in Powys has fallen to its lowest level since current records began, is very worrying indeed.
“Paramedics and supporting ambulance staff work tirelessly to deliver the highest standards of care but systemic failures are clearly letting them and patients down. I know a number of local Paramedics who are frustrated that they are unable to carry out their work as they would like.
“Many residents still have concerns over possible changes in the way ambulance services are provided in Machynlleth, Llanidloes and Llanfyllin areas and this news will do nothing to allay those fears or boost residents’ confidence in a vital public service.
“This is why I am supporting Welsh Conservative calls for a short, sharp investigation into the Welsh Ambulance Service to very quickly identify the reasons for such appalling performance and recommend solutions to meet target response times so that patients and staff can have confidence in the Welsh Ambulance Service.”