Sir,

I was happy to read the call by Mr Hughes and Mr Pearce for volunteers to help provide a quicker response to medical emergencies.

These kinds of initiatives can reinforce the health service, which is increasingly under financial stress in these troubling times.

However, this initiative must not be seen as an alternative to increased ambulance provision, where there is a campaign currently underway.

This month is a very important month for that campaign; I would like to explain what has been done so far.

I wrote to the Health Minister and received a reply from her office on 20th January.

It pointed out that the ambulance trust is responsible for meeting the targets set by the Welsh Assembly.

Furthermore, it asserted that the trust had implemented a number of initiatives to improve the service throughout Wales.

My initial letter highlighted the housing expansion planned for Monmouth, and that population growth would add pressure to the ambulance service.

Moreover, I argued that the closure of the Monnow Vale Minor Injuries Unit would also intensify ambulance demand.

Unfortunately, the response I received does not address those concerns.

On Tuesday 7th February, I delivered the petition with over 400 signatures to the Senedd.

Last Monday I also sent several letters to AMs and MPs. I will express the concerns of local people to the Monmouthshire Area Committee meeting on 21st February, and report to the town council on Monday 27th February on the campaign so far.

I believe, more than ever, that we all deserve a dedicated ambulance which can protect the vulnerable in our town.

Mathew Davies

(Monmouth)