Rhondda MEP Jill Evans has asked for an urgent meeting with the head of the ambulance services because of the cuts to ambulance cover in the Rhondda.

Jill Evans said:

"Ambulances are being cut in areas like the Rhondda to improve response rates in city areas. The Welsh Ambulance Service is more concerned with statistics and meeting targets than improving the level of service in the valleys.

"For example, when Treherbert ambulance station closed in 1998 the community were promised that the service wouldn't be reduced. If these cuts go ahead in Gelli that ambulance will be lost."

Notes

The text of the letter to Mike Cassidy, Director of Ambulance Services is as follows:

Dear Mr. Cassidy

Rhondda ambulance service downgrading

I have been approached by several constituents expressing concerns about the loss of ambulance services in Rhondda.

I understand that the Rhondda will lose one ambulance completely and other services will be downgraded at the end of this month (August 2007). In addition, I also understand this will mean further cuts in the opening and staffing hours of the ambulance stations in Ferndale and Gelli.

This proposal is totally unacceptable and will put Rhondda lives at risk, and I would like an urgent meeting with you to clarify the position.

Jill Evans MEP