§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he received in favour of the proposal to site an ambulance base at Kyleakin, Isle of Skye; and if he will make a statement. [29238]
433W
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNone. However, the Scottish Ambulance Service NHS trust aims to make the most efficient and effective use of the resources at its disposal to improve the quality of service to its patients. In view of the changes brought about by the opening of the Skye bridge, the Scottish Ambulance Service has conducted a review and has concluded that the additional costs of establishing an ambulance station in Kyleakin will be justified by improved activation and response times. Highland health board, which is responsible for purchasing appropriate levels of emergency ambulance provision in the area, has supported these proposals.
§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will hold an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the decision to site an ambulance base at Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, with specific reference to the prohibition upon serving personnel to discuss the issue with others; and if he will make a statement. [29239]
§ Mr.Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNo. The deployment of its staff and vehicles and the siting of ambulance stations are operational matters for the Scottish Ambulance Service NHS trust to decide in agreement with the purchasing health board. The staff are fully aware of the proposals and have the opportunity to make any observations on these to senior officers of the service.