HC Deb 25 April 1994 vol 242 c27W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentages of ambulances in each service in Northern Ireland responded within(a) eight minutes and (b) 14 to 20 minutes to emergency calls in 1993–94.

Mr. Ancram

The percentage of emergency ambulance calls responded to by each of the four ambulance services in Northern Ireland within eight minutes in the period 1 April 1993 to 31 December 1993 were:

Per cent.
Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust 54
Northern health and social services board 56
Southern health and social services board 58
Western health and social services board 60

Figures on the percentage of emergency ambulance calls responded to between 14 and 20 minutes are not available as the charter standards in Northern Ireland, based on population density, are set at 18 minutes—rural category—and 21 minutes—sparsely populated category. The percentage of emergency ambulance calls responded to by each of the four ambulance services in Northern Ireland within 18 to 21 minutes in the period 1 April 1993 to 31 December 1993 were:

Per cent.
Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust 193
Northern health and social services board 296
Southern health and social services board 295
Western health and social services board 294
1based on 18-minute target.
2based on 21-target.

Figures for the last quarter of 1993-94 are not yet available.