Worse ambulance service than some third world countries

Madam,

In reply to Cllr Owain Williams’ letter where he criticises “career politician” Liz Saville Roberts, and accusing her of “jumping on the bandwagon” (whatever that means) in voicing her concerns about the Welsh Ambulance Service and the amount of time it took to respond or reach the road accident between Pwllheli and Nefyn recently, perhaps I can add my own experience, being a non-career politician and having no bandwagon to jump on.

Recently needing an emergency ambulance for my 43-year-old daughter, the Welsh Ambulance Service initially told us help was on its way. One hour later on dialling 999 again, we were once again told help was on its way. A further telephone call was made one and a half hours’ later, only to be told they “had no idea” when an ambulance would be available. This is by no means an isolated incident. I personally know of several people who have had similar experiences, one of whom was a heart attack victim, whose only option was for her husband to undertake a 30-plus mile journey by car at night, with very poorly people, with potentially life-threatening conditions. This was also what we had to do.

I can only say that Cllr Williams’ time would be better spent in finding out why exactly we have in many parts of Gwynedd a seemingly worse ambulance service than some third world countries, and then criticise them, rather that criticising people like Liz Saville Roberts MP for flagging up these failings.

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