Time of change for ambulance service

HELP shape the future of North West Ambulance Service by having your say at a roadshow event.

As part of the organisation’s bid to become a foundation trust, NWAS is hosting a series of roadshow events across the region where people can meet them, find out about how the service is changing and sign up as members to influence the trust’s future changes and development.

Oldham residents are invited to meet ambulance staff at Hollinwood Cricket Club, Lime Lane, off Roman Road, Hollinwood, on Thursday from 5.30pm —and there will be free refreshments.

Staff will provide information about their NWAS foundation trust application, and ambulance crews will be on hand to showcase basic life-support skills.

Foundation trusts are still part of the NHS and are subject to NHS performance ratings and inspections.

The difference with a foundation trust is that it is run locally, with local people as members having a say on how they wish their services to be developed.

Mary Whyham, chairman of NWAS, said: “Everyone can come to our road show events to find out more about what we do, our future plans and to pick up some vital life-saving skills.

“Foundation trust status will give us the financial and operational freedoms to make the best possible use of resources in the current and future climate.

“We feel that providing our communities, staff and partners with the opportunity to be more involved in shaping the future of our services, is key to our success.”

To find out more, give your opinion or become a member, visit www.nwas.nhs.uk