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Local Conservatives call for Scottish Ambulance Service to join Moray Council Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee


By Lorna Thompson

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MORAY Council's Conservative group has called for the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) to become part of its Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee.

During a meeting of the committee yesterday local Conservative councillors suggested inviting the SAS to become part of the council framework to create stronger ties between the service and elected members.

This, the Conservatives said, would allow local concerns to be aired and offer members first-hand knowledge of the ambulance service's work locally.

Councillor Donald Gatt (Keith and Cullen) 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 18 months and many of us know about the issues at Dr Gray's Hospital.

Councillor Donald Gatt. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Councillor Donald Gatt. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

"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."

Councillor Tim Eagle (Buckie), leader of the Conservative Group, added: "It's 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 committee chair Councillor Paula Coy (SNP, Elgin City North) said, although not convinced of the SAS fit within the committee, she was happy to discuss the matter further.


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