Andrew alarmed by ambulance changes

Andrew Taylor: alarmed by the forthcoming changes

A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND Oldham man fears he could be left stranded when bus and train operator Arriva starts to run part of Greater Manchester’s ambulance service.

Andrew Taylor (52) is registered disabled with a bone disease and needs to visit hospital for check-ups.

From April, patients with a non-urgent appointment — such as Andrew — will be picked up by Arriva ambulances. Arriva Transport Solutions will run ambulances operated by NHS ambulance staff.

Campaigners are concerned a private company won’t meet the standards of the existing service.

Mr Taylor, of Holts, wants the service to stay with the NHS.

“I don’t think Arriva should take over at all. It’s ridiculous. They’re not interested in patients at all — they just want to make as much money as possible.”

The North-West Ambulance Service is paid around £14 million a year by the NHS to provide non-urgent patient transport — Arriva offered to run it for around £10.5 million a year.

Dave Ward, UNISON representative, said: “I don’t agree with privatisation of the NHS — it is the people’s service.

“It actually costs more to put the contract out to the private sector, and in 2.5 years it will be up for tender again.”

Jonathan May, UK managing director of Arriva Transport Solutions, said: “We would reassure Mr Taylor and other local people that we are using clinical and logistical expertise gained over 30 years to prepare for the patient transport contract.

“Ensuring a smooth transition for patients and the staff transferring to Arriva is our number one priority and we are committed to working with the NHS, NWAS and Unison.”


Local campaigners have called a public meeting at 7pm tonight at the Mechanics Institute in Princess St, Manchester to launch organised action against privatisation and cuts to health care.
More than 14,000 people have signed a petition against the transport move.