Ambulance crews under pressure

SHIFT patterns are to be reviewed and a new emergency responder is to be employed following concerns raised about ambulance staff being placed under too much pressure.

This week Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said staff and unions had complained about the workload they were being expected to carry out.

He said it was essential that the Shetland ambulance service was well enough resourced to cope with the huge amount of industrial activity now taking place in the isles at Sullom Voe, Lerwick harbour and the airports at Sumburgh and Scatsta.

Ahead of a meeting with SAS chief executive Pauline Howie, Scott said: “The tragic loss of life caused by the helicopter ditching highlighted again how important the emergency services are. 

“The local staff are highly dedicated professional men and women, but they must be properly supported by the Scottish Ambulance Service at a national level.”

Responding to his concerns on Wednesday, the SAS insisted their 17 staff in Shetland were receiving adequate back up from the national body.

A spokesman pointed out that a special operations team had been sent up from Aberdeen to help with last month’s helicopter crash.

However the agency has agreed to review shift patterns over the next three months and says it will continue to monitor the situation in the isles.

“The team in Shetland provided an excellent and immediate response to the recent tragic helicopter accident. Many of them deployed from off duty to treat and convey casualties to hospital,” the spokesman said.

“The Shetland team are supported by our North Special Operations Team, based in Aberdeen, who are specially trained and equipped for response to major incidents and available for immediate deployment by air to Shetland in case of a major incident.

“They also attended during the recent helicopter incident.

“We continue to monitor the service provision in Shetland and have recently added an additional member of staff to the emergency response team.

“A review of shift patterns will be taking place during the next three months to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to meet the future demand profile.”