To receive information in relation to the operation of the Welsh Ambulance Trust – Heather Ransom, Ambulance Operations Manager.
Minutes:
Members welcomed Heather Ransom – Ambulance Operations Manager and Dave Watkins – Locality Manager to the meeting to provide an update in relation to the operation of the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Local Engagement – moving forward there would be a strong focus on local/community engagement. Heather would welcome communities engaging with the service in order to shape services around community needs as opposed to imposing services. Members were encouraged to share the presentation Heather presented to the meeting and to encourage communities to contact her direct to discuss local need. Heather would welcome visiting communities in order to engage better
b. Service Delivery – the service had been reshaped nationally. There are five areas of service delivery that would deliver the care model (Help Me Choose, Answer My Call, Come to See Me, Give Me Treatment and Take Me To)
c. Paramedics – there had been an upskill to paramedic positons in order that they are now able to discharge from care without the need to admit if the situation allows for it
d. Categories of Contacts – when responding to a contact the situation information requested (albeit that it might seem a lengthy process to provide requested information at the time) would deliver the right response
e. Montgomeryshire Call Outs - the true position is that there are two ‘red’ calls to the emergency service per day. Red calls are calls where there are immediate life threatening situations. The target response time for red calls is 8 minutes, there are some difficulties in Powys in meeting this target due to rurality. Amber calls are split into two categories (1 and 2), the majority of calls to the service in Powys are amber 1 calls. WAST performs well against the 19 minute amber 1 target time in attending situations (despite rumours to the contrary)
f. Cross Border – there are good links across borders and there should be no impact on treatment due to which side of the border residents reside (while recognising policy differences apply). A memorandum of understanding applies and is adhered to which should not advantage or disadvantage any area or resident
g. Demand – on average there are 60 calls on the service to date, the highest demand in Montgomeryshire is in the Newtown and Welshpool areas
h. Locality Based Schemes – there would be a strong emphasis on community based schemes, ideas include community based ambassadors. It could be that communities identify locals to provide initial, emergency, lifesaving support to complement the service
i. Sharing of Information – a member reported a situation where he had been late in being presented to a hospital whilst being transported by ambulance which had caused worry to waiting relatives. Notifications would be sent to inform of arrivals and new systems would improve the transfer of information, however, at times of need the emphasis would always be on treating as opposed to sending notifications
j. Defibrillators – there had been a recent focus on siting defibrillators in communities and high profile campaigns. A member stated the importance of retaining local enthusiasm with regard to potential use
k. Ambulance Wait Times – a member requested information in relation to the service and made specific reference to laybys being used to wait. Heather confirmed that all waits are monitored and that rest times allow for essential works to be undertaken/completed. Backfill arrangements whilst vehicles are on call or enroute are important. Information in relation to arrangements could be shared with the shire
Members welcomed the update and discussion and thanked representatives from WAST for attending.