§ 15. Miss Herbisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what changes he proposes it the ambulance service to ensure that no patient is unduly delayed either on the journey to hospital or from hospital to his home.
§ Mr. NobleThe Scottish Ambulance Service has recently issued a letter to all staff drawing attention to an unfortunate incident in the hon. Lady's constituency and reminding them of the importance of avoiding delay to patients, especially those who are ill, elderly or frail.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that that action will be sufficient, as the case which I drew to his attention is by no means the only one that has occurred? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that another constituent of mine who was dangerously ill was collected by ambulance, but before she was taken to hospital the ambulance went to the other end of the village to collect two ambulant patients and when they arrived at the hospital she was dead. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave dissatisfaction about the present position? Cannot he tell those in charge of the ambulances that much more is needed to ensure that people get fair and adequate treatment?
§ Mr. NobleI have already written to the hon. Lady about the unfortunate case which she referred to me and have added my apologies to those of the Scottish Ambulance Service, which was very disturbed bout what had happened.
If the hon. Lady will let me have details of the second case, I shall also draw it to the attention of the Scottish authorities who are most anxious to provide an efficient and adequate service. The letter they have sent round—of which I shall send the hon. Lady a copy if she would like it—highlights the importance of this service.