During a meeting of the Police and Fire Committee today the Conservatives raised a question about the possibly of extending an invite to the Scottish Ambulance Service to create stronger ties between elected members and this vital service. This would allow local concerns to be heard and give local members first hand knowledge of the work of the service.
Cllr Gatt put the question during question time at the committee.
Commenting Cllr Gatt said;
“The Police and Fire committee is a vital partnership link between two hugely important local services. Through this committee we hear first hand the plans and work that police and fire staff do across Moray, it allows us to ask questions that are posed to us by local communities and helps us to be able to speak with our communities about the strategic work these organisations are looking to complete.
Our emergency services are a vital part of our society and we cannot thank them enough for all they do. This committee provides a crucial link
However one emergency service was not part of the original framework which created this committee and that is the Scottish Ambulance Service. We are aware of the pressures on the service over the last 18months and many of use know about the issues at Dr Grays. However as elected members we have no official access to speak with and learn more from the Ambulance service. By extending an invite we hope that, working with local managers, we could change that and bring about a new positive relationship.
Further commenting is Cllr Tim Eagle, leader of the Conservative Group,
“Its not been an easy time for health services across Moray and as a local councillor I want to show my thanks and support for health partners and the many local Moray paramedics that make up the team. I am also aware of concerns being raised from local people about access to the service and from staff themselves about some of the pressures they are under.
As elected representatives for communities across Moray I think there would be a real positive in asking if local managers would join this committee to provide a direct link between them and the council. It would be really beneficial in helping us give them the concerns from communities but also us helping to provide information locally on service plans.”
“The SNP chair has said they will go away and speak with officers but I am hopeful all members will see the benefits from such a partnership and we will consider extending the invite to see if this would be possible."
