North West Ambulance Service cut West Kirby rapid response vehicle

Mar 17 2010 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

WEST Kirby’s only rapid response vehicle will cease to operate from April 1, as a result of spending cuts instigated by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Currently based at West Kirby fire station, the rapid response vehicle (RRV) is first on the scene following emergency calls, providing vital treatment and assessing risk for pursuing ambulance crews.

But from next month, residents of West Kirby and Hoylake will be forced to rely on the remaining RRVs based in Moreton, Heswall and at Arrowe Park Hospital.

A source close to NWAS, who asked to remain nameless, said this will “put extra strain” on the remaining facilities, while West Kirby care home owner, Della Haynes-McManus called the cut “absolutely crazy”.

Mrs Haynes-McManus, who runs Hilbre House and Hilbre Court catering for elderly and infirm people, many of whom have associated medical problems, has frequent dealings with the West Kirby based RRV.

She told the News: “It’s a matter of life and death.

“If they are there in a couple of minutes it could save someone’s life, but if it’s eight to ten minutes they could have no chance at all.

“I just cannot believe they are cutting back on something so crucial.

“It’s absolutely crazy.

“Often you get bottle neck situations between Heswall and West Kirby, and coming through Heswall can sometimes take 20 minutes.”

West Wirral independent parliamentary candidate and Hoylake councillor, David Kirwan was equal in his condemnation of the move.

Cllr Kirwan said: “That’s another casualty of spending cuts, a shocking casualty, in my opinion, and one that should be totally avoided.

“Those seconds and minutes to get to a victim are a matter of life and death, everybody’s emergency health will be put seriously at risk.”

While Conservative leader and West Kirby Councillor Jeff Green said he’s determined to “get this decision overturned”.

Cllr Green said: “I’m shocked and disappointed that such a decision should be taken without speaking to local representatives or residents.”

But NWAS says only that “decisions around the placement of ambulance vehicles across the region are reviewed constantly”.

They added: “NWAS is working hard to ensure that from April 2010, operational resources meet demand within budgeted levels, whilst maintaining the highest levels of patient care.”