Paramedics deliver one of the most respectable services in society.
Yet there have been systemic failures by the service, shown in failing performance targets, taken up by the Public Ombudsman, which highlight inadequate management.
In February 2012 I delivered a petition to the Senedd signed by 450 people. It called for an inquiry into the ambulance trust. This was later supported by Monmouth, Abergavenny and Chepstow town councils. The only response, launched in January, was a review limited in scope.
The ninth review in six years was released last week. Most of the discussion since has concerned performance targets.
However, more importantly, it exposed the systemic problems in the service. A ‘culture of fear’ was highlighted, and the measure of accountability and transparency was “insufficient”. This is not surprising to the people of Monmouthshire.
Abergavenny joined Monmouth and Chepstow town councils in supporting a scrutiny inquiry at the Health and Social Committee which balances accountability with performance targets.
It is vital that a scrutiny session sets out an agenda for an inquiry in the autumn.
This inquiry should add value to the review in preparing a policy direction which will enable the service to reach its potential.
Mat Davies, Monmouth
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