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Most ambulance response time targets to be scrapped Most ambulance response time targets to be scrapped
(35 minutes later)
Targets for ambulance response times in Wales are to be dropped for all but the most life-threatening calls.Targets for ambulance response times in Wales are to be dropped for all but the most life-threatening calls.
In a one-year trial from October, performance for less urgent incidents will be assessed by clinical outcomes - the results of the treatment delivered.In a one-year trial from October, performance for less urgent incidents will be assessed by clinical outcomes - the results of the treatment delivered.
The target of responding to 65% of life-threatening calls within eight minutes will be reviewed.The target of responding to 65% of life-threatening calls within eight minutes will be reviewed.
Statistics released on Wednesday showed the service missed its target for responding to emergency calls in June.Statistics released on Wednesday showed the service missed its target for responding to emergency calls in June.
An ambulance arrived on the scene within eight minutes for 61.4% of emergency calls. An ambulance arrived on the scene within eight minutes for 61.4% of "red" emergency calls.
That is an improvement on the previous month and better than the same time last year.That is an improvement on the previous month and better than the same time last year.
The service has also announced that fewer calls will be classed as "red", which need an eight-minute response.The service has also announced that fewer calls will be classed as "red", which need an eight-minute response.
The Welsh Conservatives described the latest statistics as "another month of failed Labour-managed ambulance response times".The Welsh Conservatives described the latest statistics as "another month of failed Labour-managed ambulance response times".
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar, said: "Wales has amongst the worst response times in Britain and the most urgent target has now been missed for 20 consecutive months.Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar, said: "Wales has amongst the worst response times in Britain and the most urgent target has now been missed for 20 consecutive months.
"It is Labour's mismanagement of our NHS that's led to this shameful failure in performance and only a change at the top will put that right.""It is Labour's mismanagement of our NHS that's led to this shameful failure in performance and only a change at the top will put that right."
The new model will introduce three categories of calls - red, amber and green.The new model will introduce three categories of calls - red, amber and green.
RedRed
AmberAmber
GreenGreen
In March 2014, Health Minister Mark Drakeford announced a trial to develop more "meaningful" targets for ambulance and A&E services, based more on the quality of care than response and waiting times. Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he was "confident" the changes will improve patient experience.
Speaking at the time, he said: "I want us to judge the success of our services by measuring things which make a difference to patients and the effectiveness of the treatment they receive." He said: "The demands placed on our emergency ambulance service are more complex than ever before and are growing year-on-year.
"It is clear if we are to meet these demands and ensure the best outcomes for patients, we need to transform the way in which we deliver emergency ambulance services."
Tracy Myhill, chief executive of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, added: "Having a fast ambulance arrive at a patient's door does not necessarily translate to a better outcome.
"However, having the right type of vehicle arrive at a patient's door and timely transport to a treatment centre does."
Officials have urged people only to call an ambulance if they really need one in order to reduce pressure on the service.Officials have urged people only to call an ambulance if they really need one in order to reduce pressure on the service.
Those with less serious conditions have been encouraged to use alternative transport such as taxis to take them to hospital in a pilot scheme.Those with less serious conditions have been encouraged to use alternative transport such as taxis to take them to hospital in a pilot scheme.
In England, ambulance services have a more ambitious target of responding to 75% of Category A calls within eight minutes.In England, ambulance services have a more ambitious target of responding to 75% of Category A calls within eight minutes.
The target was met for England as a whole in 2013-14 for the most serious of those calls - Red 1 - but was just missed for less serious Red 2 calls.The target was met for England as a whole in 2013-14 for the most serious of those calls - Red 1 - but was just missed for less serious Red 2 calls.
A row broke out in December when a leaked document suggested changing the target for some Red 2 calls in England from eight to 19 minutes.A row broke out in December when a leaked document suggested changing the target for some Red 2 calls in England from eight to 19 minutes.