Council leader calls for talks over plans for Derbyshire’s ambulance service

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Andrew Lewer has written to East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust Chief Executive Phil Milligan asking for the opportunity to discuss the Trust’s reorganisation plans in more detail.

Councillor Lewer said he is concerned that local people should have equal access to ambulance services following any changes to the service wherever they live in the county.

“Derbyshire is a large and diverse county. We believe it is vital that emergency services are delivered effectively and efficiently throughout the area and to all our communities,” he said.

“I am keen that the county council is in the best position to comment on the Trust’s reorganisation plans. For that reason I am seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Milligan so we can fully understand the background to and the detail of the proposals.”

He added: “We would not support or want to see some of our more rural communities disadvantaged by slower ambulance response times because of where they live.

“The ambulance service plays an important part in ensuring the health and wellbeing of local people and they have every right to expect an urgent response when they need it.”

The county council’s Improvement and Scrutiny Committee is also looking into the Trust’s reorganisation plans and is expected to publish its findings in the weeks ahead.