Lesson must be learnt for future adverse weather conditions  

25^th January 2011 

William Graham (Assembly Member for South Wales East) responding to the latest ambulance response statistics. 

“The whole of Wales experienced prolonged periods of snow and exceptionally low temperatures are the primary factors in low response times during December; this is reflected in the fact that just 47.2% of category A calls were answered within eight minutes. The lowest response rate on record”. 

“I acknowledge that in Torfaen only 29.4% of emergency calls were within 8 minutes; the lowest response rate in Wales. However the primary factor for this low response rate was the adverse weather conditions”. 

“The continuing issue of patients waiting several hours for an ambulance is a result of a failure in management systems. I will be asking for an urgent statement on this matter during this afternoon’s Plenary session”. 

“During December we faced prolonged periods of snow and exceptionally low temperatures which had an adverse impact upon all services. We must recognise the professionalism and dedication shown by these people at all times; but particularly when under pressure to maintain our vital services”. 

“We must ensure that we learn from the difficulties arising during December and that these are incorporated into the working practices in order that we are prepared for further wintry conditions in future years”.