Islands must see benefit of new ambulance resources – McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has welcomed confirmation that agreement has been reached between the Scottish Government and trade unions over ambulance cover and staff response to emergency calls during rest breaks.  Changes to working hours will see an additional 150 staff recruited as part of a £5m investment.

Mr McArthur said: “The health secretary confirmed that an additional 150 staff will now be recruited to deliver this deal.  I took the opportunity in Parliament today [Thursday] to urge Nicola Sturgeon to ensure that the specific needs of island areas are reflected in the way in which these new resources are deployed.

“A review will now take place and Ms Sturgeon assured me that the needs of Orkney, and other island groups, would be taken on board as part of that process.  I welcome that commitment, not least given that Orkney saw little benefit from earlier investment to address single manning issues.”