Ruffley highlights latest Ambulance response times

Figures obtained today by David Ruffley MP have exposed the disappointing record of the East Anglian Ambulance Service over the first six months of this year.

The figures show that for several areas, such as Great Barton, Elmswell, Haughley and Wetherden, Onehouse, Rattlesden, Ringshall, Stowmarket North, Stowupland, Thurston, and Whelnetham the target set by the Trust of arriving within 8 minutes of a life-threatening call was missed in at least 3 out of the last 6 months.

For Elmswell, Great Barton, and Thurston the results are even worse with the target having been missed in 5 out of the first 6 months of this year.

There has been some improvement for Needham Market with the response time being hit, in over 75% of cases, in 4 out of the 6 months. This improvement has come about after pressure from Mr Ruffley on the Ambulance Trust to employ a new community paramedic in the district, Maggie Cook.

Mr Ruffley said:

“This latest set of figures show that there is still a problem in receiving prompt emergency care in rural areas. I welcome initiatives, such as that in Needham Market to introduce a community paramedic, but it is not enough. There remain too many incidents of people having to wait longer than necessary to receive emergency medical care.”