Labour are putting out a scare story about the review to the current provision of Ambulance services in the East Midlands region.  As always Labour claim any review will mean cuts and they are also shroud waving, claiming that it could mean deaths.  As always Labour has got it wrong.  Here is the full story:

SEVEN ambulance stations in north Derbyshire and north Nottinghamshire are under review, according to radical plans to change the way East Midlands Ambulance Service operates.
Ambulance stations could be closed or refurbished, more vehicles parked in public places awaiting 999 calls and managerial posts cut over the next five years.
Stations under review include Eckington, Chesterfield, Health, Worksop, Bakewell, Retford and Matlock.
The strategy, with details of affected stations, will be completed by the end of July.
Across the East Midlands, between 10 to 14 ambulance centres would be created – where vehicles would be cleaned and restocked – and some of the region’s 65 ‘inefficient’ stations would be closed, as it would cost £13 million to bring them up to ‘NHS standards’.

You can also read more in the BBC story – Ambulance station closures will help service: EMAS chief

It is right that all services paid for by our taxes review how best they provide that service to make sure we are getting the best value for our money.    The East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS), which provides the service locally, should make every effort to make sure our money is spent wisely and carefully while making sure that the service they provide meets the standards laid down by the NHS.  If this means how the service is to be delivered has to change then this should be welcomed and supported.

What Labour doesn’t tell you is that when they were in power, the EMAS had one of the worst records of all the Ambulance Trusts (see East Midlands Ambulance Service worst in England).  So instead of trying to scare voters about needed changes, Labour should be apologising for their appalling record on the Ambulance Service

Update – 03/05/12

I have been contacted by Melanie Wright, Communications Manager for Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Northamptonshire Divisions of EMAS, who has clarified for me the Trust’s draft plans.  I have uploaded copies of the both the report from the Chief Executive of EMAS report to board giving an overview of the programme and the more detailed Draft Estate Strategy which explains what is proposed for where Ambulances are based & where they will be stationed when “on duty”.  All the papers from the Board meeting on April 5th are available on line at http://www.emas.nhs.uk/about-us/trust-board/

Ms Wright stressed that these are draft proposals and there will be a public consultation on the plans later in the year so you will get your chance to have a say.

Labour as ever don’t give you the full facts, just the bits that will scare you.  We in the Lib Dems want to make sure you have all the facts so you can make up your own mind.  I will continue to keep an eye on the progress and will let you know more details of the public consultation when I have them.