A report by the Health Commission into Staffordshire Ambulance Service
due to be circulated on 8th April and released publicly on 9th April has
been slammed for bias by the former Chief Executive of the Staffordshire
Ambulance Service, Roger Thayne. He says: "It is fairly inaccurate and
one sided and sets out to cast doubt on the achievements most people in
Staffordshire have good evidence of. Of course it was needed to justify
the merger.

"Staffordshire now has a Service which, although still outperforms all
others in the region, does not get to patients as quick as did for the
previous 11 years, does not have the capability, for all responders it
tasks to emergencies to save live from fitting and opiate drug overdose
– two very common causes of death and has reduced its productivity from
0.55 to 0.42, a reduction of 24%!"

Michael Fabricant says: "I am concerned that the Commission’s Report
does appear to be very one sided. What is important is not to defend
the Government’s decision to force through the merger of the
Staffordshire Ambulance Service into that of the West Midlands, but to
ensure that the high standards in Staffordshire are maintained.

"Good progress has been made in Birmingham in raising their ambulance
standards albeit not yet to the level enjoyed in Staffordshire – but my
primary concern has to be the welfare of my constituents who need an
ambulance service that responds quickly and is then able to provide
effective emergency on the spot care. I still remain concerned about
the removal of ResQPod from Staffordshire Ambulances which is a proven
tool in restoring heart function."