News
Paramedic cyclist service withdrawn
Cyclist paramedics have been withdrawn from three Yorkshire cities following a review of services.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it was suspending the use of cycling paramedics in Sheffield, Leeds and Hull with staff returning to ambulance and rapid response vehicles.
The use of bicycles was seen as a way of getting paramedics to emergencies in pedestrianised or built-up areas which might otherwise be difficult to reach quickly. The ambulance service has not ruled out their return and the service will remain in York and Harrogate for the time being.
Vince Larvin, Assistant Director of A&E Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: ‘We are currently operating additional rapid response vehicles in the cities instead of the cycle response units to help us meet current demand more closely and ensure our patients receive the best possible care. “The decision to take these resources out of operation is not a permanent one and shifts in patient demand will see them return as appropriate.’
The Lifecycle service was first introduced in York 10 years ago before being extended to Sheffield, Hull and Leeds. The scheme was launched in Harrogate only three months ago.
PM discusses fightback
Prime Minister David Cameron meets with senior officers from the police, fire and ambulance services at a meeting at Wolverhampton Civic Centre in central England, on August 10, 2011. David Cameron said a "fightback" had begun Wednesday against Britain's worst riots in a generation, as he authorised the use of water cannon for the first time outside Northern Ireland.
Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images) 2011
Former A.P.A.P. Head suspended
The former General Secretary of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel, Mark Weatherhead has been suspended from the Health Professions Council Register following financial irregularities found when he was in charge.
Public Disorder Notice from WMAS
As staff will no doubt be aware, yesterday evening saw serious public disorder break out in Birmingham City Centre and surrounding areas.
Air ambulance set to become an independent charity
An Air Ambulance Appeal will become an independent charity in September. The long held ambition will soon be realised after Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) agreed last week to relinquish its sole trusteeship of the appeal.
Page 152 of 163
