Concerns over future of ambulance station in Galashiels

Published 27 Apr 2010 16:28 2 Comments

AMBULANCE chiefs have denied they are driving ahead with proposals to close the station in Galashiels.

It follows the revelation that the Scottish Ambulance Service was in talks to find a new site three miles away in Tweedbank.

South of Scotland SNP MSP Christine Grahame has warned proposals to relocate the ambulance station are irresponsible and will lead to slower response times for residents in Galashiels - and could put lives at risk.

She spoke out after being contacted by worried ambulance staff.

Ms Grahame said: "I understand the proposals are to move the current Galashiels Ambulance Station three miles away to Tweedbank Industrial Estate. There has been some speculation about why the Ambulance Service would wish to do this, but it appears they want to sell off the land currently occupied by the existing station to the neighbouring doctors surgery.

"Such a move would not benefit the people of Galashiels or the staff who work at the Station and it will undoubtedly lead to slower 999 response times in the town where ambulance crews are most busy.

"The risk to patients is obvious and it appears the proposals are based on financial objectives rather than patient care.

"If there is to be a relocation then the best answer is to put the ambulance station next to the fire station.

"There doesn't appear to have been any consultation undertaken with local people and I would urge Scottish Ambulance Service bosses to rethink these proposals and to consult fully and properly with local people before proceeding."

The MSP has called on the Scottish Ambulance Service to consult the people of Galashiels before any decision is made.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "There are no specific or detailed plans to move to another location in Galashiels at this time. However, current resources have now exceeded accommodation within Galashiels ambulance Station and the Service is looking for alternative which will accommodate present staff and any future developments within the Borders. As and when proposals are developed, we will consult with the community.

"Any proposal to move to Tweedbank would have to be contingent on a health centre being created on the existing site so that paramedics could be based there also, ensuring cover on both sides of the town."

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• 

  Lesbe Frank
  Unregistered User
  Apr 22, 14:15
  Report comment

  Makes perfect sense to me. Chop the Borders up into "major growth areas" and Tweedbank, Melrose, Langlee etc will probably be near the top. Population shifts mean the emergency services have to do the same - after all, the Scot Govt targets are to answer/respond to calls within a certain time and this will assist. Perhaps a more central ambulance facility for a single ambulance might be the answer.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Alasdair Balmer
  Unregistered User
  Jun 12, 22:22
  Report comment

  reopen Roxburgh st to enhance responce times from present station
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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