Ambulance station decision delayed after public outcry
A public outcry over plans to close ambulance stations in the East Midlands has forced a delay in the final decision.
At a board meeting on Thursday, EMAS resolved to ‘look at additional options’, including further analysis over the ‘EMAS estate’, or location of the new stations.
A decision now looks likely to be made in March.
Under the proposals Belper would become a deployment point, meaning crews would have to collect and drop off their vehicle at Chesterfield or Derby at the beginning and end of each shift.
However, as reported in the News, the ambulance station could effectively survive the county closures as it already operates out of a small building – although that would depend on the result of an analysis of 999 calls in the area.
An EMAS spokesperson said: “As part of our commitment to involve staff and the public we carried out a consultation exercise. It’s encouraging that so many people across the region feel passionately about the ambulance service and have been able to have their say in shaping the proposals to improve response times and patient care.
“As a direct result of the feedback from the consultation, we are now looking at additional options which will allow us to meet our ‘Being the Best’ ambitions.
The plans will now go to the March 25 board meeting rather than January 28, EMAS say the additional time ‘will them to work with staff to review the alternative options with the aim of developing final proposals.
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Weather for Belper
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
