Keetch meets Chair of Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust

12.00.00am GMT Fri 10th Feb 2006

Paul Keetch MP for Hereford met Joanne Newton, the Chairman of Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust to discuss the future of the Trust and the potential closure of Ross ambulance station.

The Labour Government are currently considering amalgamating all the ambulance services across the West Midlands.

"I would not want to see Hereford and Worcester merged into a region wide West Midlands Ambulance service," said Mr Keetch MP, "But public support would be greater if we did not have the possibility of four out of five stations in Herefordshire facing the axe.

"I hope that an alternative to a West Midland wide service, such as merging Hereford and Worcester with Shropshire, for example, could be considered and I hope that the public will make their views known before the consultation period ends on 22 March.

"As for Ross, Mrs Newton assured me again that, even if the station closes, the service to the people of Ross would not be affected. I do not see how this could be the case and the uncertainty that hangs over this is bad for staff morale and public confidence in the Trust. I hope that the steering group looking at Ross will recommend it stays open. I left Mrs Newton in no doubt about my opposition to this potential closure," Mr Keetch stated.

People wanting to respond to the consultation should do so by writing to David Nicholson CBE, Chief Executive, NHS West Midlands Consultation Office, PO Box 2675, Stafford ST16 9BW or by email to wmconsultation@sasha.nhs.uk