Over 1 in 4 wait more than two hours for ambulance

A recent survey undertaken by Lisa Smart, Councillor for Bredbury Green & Romiley and Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Hazel Grove Constituency, and local Liberal Democrats received hundreds of replies from concerned residents. Results have shown that over a quarter of those who called an ambulance waited more than two hours. 

Several respondents told Lisa that they were quoted waiting times of anything from 8 to 12 hours when phoning 999. Lisa is a member of Stockport Council's Scrutiny Committee on Ambulance Waiting Times and has asked questions to Stepping Hill Hospital about what is needed to reduce waiting times at A&E. NHS Trusts have targets for ambulance services to get to emergencies, starting from 7 minutes for the most urgent and serious cases.

Lisa Smart thanked all those who responded to the survey and said:

"Residents have told me they've waited over two hours for an ambulance with issues like strokes, seizures, road accidents, and with sick children and elderly relatives. Something has gone terribly wrong. The NHS and our paramedics are being let down. Decisions made by the Conservative Government have led to this crisis - the NHS deserves better."

"It's absolutely shocking that more than a quarter of people waited more than two hours for an ambulance. Not only that but when they finally get to hospital, they could end up with an even longer wait to be seen in A&E. The Government has lost control, the NHS needs urgent funding now."