Ambulance investment called for
Concern over increase in hospital transfers
INVESTMENT in the ambulance service, particularly in Caithness, is likely to be needed in the future, according to Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant.
This week Mrs Grant met the Scottish Ambulance Service's Graham MacLeod (head of services Highland) its general manager Milne Weir, and Gill McVicar, NHS Highland's director of operations north and west, following the community’s concern over pressure on ambulance staff and resources in the region.
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Pauline Howie had previously admitted that from 2011/2012 there had been a “notable increase” in inter-hospital transfers from Caithness General, including those carried out by air. At this week’s meeting, both the health authority and ambulance service reassured Mrs Grant it was coping with the situation and cover could be mobilised from other areas or air ambulance services used, including the coastguard helicopter, when needed. However, both organisations agreed that they were monitoring inter-hospital transfers to see if the increase continued and further action was needed.
“The meeting was very positive and I was reassured to hear that the health authority and ambulance service continue to work in partnership to make the best uses of resources in the far north,” explained Mrs Grant.
“All inter-hospital transfers are reviewed by a clinician to ensure that the journey is needed – for instance for serious cases such as fractures, cardiac and respiratory conditions.“But I am still anxious that there could be a situation where all road ambulances are sent outwith the area and replacement cover, for instance needed for an emergency, will take some time to mobilise. Increased use of fixed wing planes and helicopters could help but the on-going stretch in resources could cause problems in the future."
Mrs Grant continued: "I predict that future investment in the ambulance service will be needed to keep pace with the continuing specialisation of some services for serious conditions and advances in treatment. However there is also the opportunity to treat people more close to home with possible advances in tele-care that can be used by ambulance crews in their areas.
The ambulance service said it was planning meetings to keep MSPs informed in the future and Mrs Grant requested that she be kept up-to-date with any changes or plans.
Last month, the Scottish Ambulance Service admitted there had been a 24.5per cent increase in inter-hospital transfers - a total of 106 cases - from 2012 to 2015. In 2012/13 there were 431 transfers, in 2013/14, 496 and 2014/15, 537.In regards to maternity transfers since Caithness General made a change to its provision, there had been eight women required to go south to either Inverness or Aberdeen from 18th November until 14th December last year Scottish Ambulance Service detailed current staffing levels across Caithness:
Wick
- One ambulance operating 24/7 with eight hour shifts, seven days per week. Three days a week staff work a shift, plus they are on call for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 0000-0800
- Another ambulance operates 09.45-1800 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Thurso
- One ambulance operating 24/7 with 12 hour shifts, seven days per week. Three days a week staff work a shift, plus they are on call Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1900 – 0700
- Another ambulance operates 0800-1700 Monday and Tuesday
