Penrith MP Neil Hudson is calling on health chiefs to pause their plans to remove Alston’s community ambulance.
The North West Ambulance Service wants to remove the ambulance because it says although the team operating the ambulance are committed, they are not trained to a high enough standard and the number in the team has dropped from 18 to six, leaving ‘operational gaps’.
A recent meeting of the parish council saw more than 200 people protest against the plans.
Dr Hudson said: “I was extremely saddened to hear of the plans regarding the removal the Alston Moor Community Ambulance. I very much understand the challenges that Alston faces due to how rural it is, and how absolutely crucial the local ambulance is in order to protect and support the community.
“I am working with the 2021 Ambulance Retention Group in Alston and will continue to support them to try to save this vital service.
I have met with the local NHS to discuss this and I am strongly encouraging the NHS and North West Ambulance Service to pause any action on their suggested change until they have been able to discuss future possible options with the community and NWAS.
“It is important that we get stakeholders and the local community representatives around the table to discuss this fully to try and work on an acceptable solution and then that the local community are fully consulted on any potential changes.”
