Ambulances: Luck of the Draw?

Sandy Kilpatrick • Published 8 Jul 2010 10:25

Upper Nithsdale councillors calling for urgent action over ambulance provision say that "Luck shouldn't decide whether someone lives or dies."

They say a woman who suffered a heart attack in Sanquhar is lucky to be alive.

Kirkconnel and Thornhill stations have four members of staff. Two work 12-hour shifts for seven days, while the other crew members are off.

The working crews remain on stand-by during the night. If they are called out they are required to take compulsory hours off the next day leaving stations completely unmanned with no ambulance cover for patients in Kirkconnel, Kelloholm and Sanquhar.

Kirkconnel and Thornhill are the only stations in Dumfries and Galloway which work to these rules. Mid and Upper Nithsdale Coucillors John Syme, Jim Dempster and Gill Dykes have teamed up to demand a review of services from Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola Sturgeon. Cllr Syme (pictured left) hit out: "It's frightening what the cover is like. It's got an effect on service and it's got an effect on staff.

"When Kirkconnel and Thornhill crews are off at the same time ambulances have to travel from Cumnock, Dumfries or Glasgow. We're 30 mile away from the nearest hospital as it is.

"We don't need any further delay. This will cost lives."

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