THE Welsh Government has rejected calls for an 'emergency' to be declared in the Welsh Ambulance Service, due to increasing demand and rising waiting times.
The Conservatives used a Senedd debate on Wednesday, September 22 to demand a Government plan to tackle response times and deal with the impact of rising pressure on primary and social care.
A request from the Welsh Ambulance Service for military support has already been rubberstamped by the Welsh Government and sent to the Ministry of Defence for approval.
A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed the request from the Ambulance Service has asked for drivers with a C1 driving licence from October 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Welsh Conservative health spokesman Russell George said the Welsh Ambulance Service was in crisis and had been for several months.
He said: “We need immediate action from the Welsh Government to support the ambulance service and also to ensure that the people of Wales get the ambulance service that they deserve and need.
“You can’t resolve a problem unless you accept that there is a problem. The ambulance service is in crisis.”
James Evans, Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, said the Welsh Government had received £8.6 billion to combat coronavirus, £2.9 billion from the Budget and £1.9 billion over three years under the Barnett Formula.
“Where has this money been spent to improve bed capacity and access to A&E treatments?,” he asked.
“Lives are at risk, and people waiting for 12 hours plus is just not acceptable.”
Original article from The Wrexham Leader
