Press release -
Response to increase in ambulance waiting times
Commenting on the publication of the Welsh Government’s figures on ambulance response times in Wales, Carol Bott, Director of the Stroke Association in Wales said:
“Suspected strokes fall into the amber category of ambulance calls. We’re very disappointed to learn that the average waiting time for this category rose by almost five minutes last year.When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. It’s essential that patients have access to fast, effective care, to ensure they make the best possible recovery.
“We’ve been calling for changes to the way ambulance response times are measured in Wales; to look at the care given from point of 999 call to receiving treatment in hospital, rather than just looking at the time it takes to get an ambulance to the scene. We welcomed the Health Minister’s recent commitment to ensuring this is implemented by winter 2019/20.
“However news of this increase in ambulance waiting times is further evidence that such a measure needs to be accompanied by a target response time, learning from the approach in England, to ensure that stroke patients in Wales get the fast and effective care they need to be able to rebuild their life after stroke.”
Ends
Statistics shared by the Welsh Government can be found here:
For further information or to arrange a broadcast interview in English or Welsh, please contact katie.chappelle@stroke.org.uk029 2052 4420/ 07703 318844
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