MPs unite to protect local ambulance service

12.23.10pm GMT Thu 24th Nov 2005

This week Lib Dem MPs in the North West have launched a campaign to protect the autonomy of local ambulance services following government plans to merge the ambulance services of Greater Manchester, Chester, Merseyside and Cumbria.

Local MPs Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) and Mark Hunter (Cheadle) have joined other Lib Dem MPs from across the North West to attack the proposals as a backward step that will damage local services.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"The geography and communities of Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria are so diverse - it is madness to throw them together into one ambulance trust.

"Quick ambulance response times are critical to the recovery of patients - they save lives. This is best achieved through ambulance services working closely with the communities and services in the area around them.

"Merging the four ambulance services into one cumbersome North West ambulance trust will damage local services and put people at risk."

ENDS