Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice has called for urgent action over ambulance performance figures released by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). In a recent meeting with the Chief Executive of NHS East Lancashire, Steve Spoerry, the MP raised serious concerns over the continued poor performance of NWAS, particularly in the Pendle area.

Speaking from his Nelson office, the MP commented: “NHS guidelines set out that 75% of category A callouts – those for serious and life threatening should have a response time of 8 minutes. But in October last year the figure for Burnley, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Ribble Valley and Pendle was just 70%. NWAS also missed the performance target in East Lancs for less serious category B cases, which have a 19-minute response time.”

Statistics from the NWAS showing the response times for the postcodes BB8, BB9, BB10 and BB18 show major variations.

The MP went on: “The figures highlighted a significantly weak service in the Barnoldswick area, with only 60% of ambulances meeting the eight-minute target to reach their destination.”

“In the period April 09 to November 09, the percentage of ambulances hitting the 8 minute target plunged to 53% in May, 51% in June and 39% in October.”

“Figures for BB8 which covers Colne and an area stretching out to Trawden fared better but only one month exceeded the 8 minute target – June at 79%. The lowest was 62% in October.”

The MP added: “I know the Medical Directors of the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and the North West Ambulance Service are looking at how best to improve things. This may mean ambulances going to Burnley which currently go to Blackburn.”