Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health about problems caused by single-manning of ambulances after a Newtonmore woman told him about difficulties she had faced when an ambulance was unable to transport her to Aviemore for treatment.

The ambulance crewman who attended immediately began to offer urgent medical assistance to Helen MacDonald, of Clune Terrace, Newtonmore, who was experiencing breathing difficulties, but was unable to leave her side to drive the ambulance. A second ambulance had to be called from Aviemore to take her for treatment. Mr Thompson, who has previously received information about a similar situation in Lochcarron earlier this year, has written to Nicola Sturgeon to highlight the problem and ask what action is being taken to ensure there is no repeat.

“In 2008 Nicola gave the Scottish Ambulance Service almost £5 million to pay for 40 extra staff to eliminate single manning in the Highlands and South West Scotland,” said Mr Thompson.

“I was reassured to be told by the Cabinet Secretary and also the chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service that they are attempting to recruit extra staff where vacancies exist in the Highlands to ensure an end to single-manning.

“I was pleased to hear that single manning would only be seen in exceptional circumstances but sadly I have heard that this is happening far too often so I have written again to the Cabinet Secretary to highlight this latest incident and request an update on progress.”