§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultation took place between Lothian health board and the Scottish ambulance service about the implications of closures of hospital services in East Lothian on the workload of the ambulance service before those wards and units were closed; and if he will make a statement on the measures being taken to meet that workload in terms of manpower, equipment and finance.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Scottish ambulance service was consulted by the health board as part of the public consultation of interested parties from 29 May to 30 July 1990.
In order to meet the additional workload and to improve the service, including a reduction in single manning, 14 additional staff were employed in the East Lothian area at a cost of £286,000. No extra vehicles and equipment were required.