Your chance to have a say on the future of North West Ambulance Service

Jan 18 2011 Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE people are being asked for their views on their local ambulance service’s plans to become a Foundation Trust as the trust launches an extensive public consultation programme.

The three month long consultation will explain what becoming a Foundation Trust will mean to communities across the North West and also ask people to comment on its future plans.

North West Ambulance Service chief executive Darren Hurrell said: “Becoming a Foundation Trust gives the public more influence on what is essentially their ambulance service. NWAS works actively within the community now and this will help us to become even more involved with groups and individuals who want to have a say.

“The majority of NHS trusts are now seeking to become a Foundation Trusts and the benefits to staff, patients and the public are undeniable.

“Working in this way will give us more opportunities to work in closer partnership with other organisations and communities to provide joined up services for patients across a wide spectrum of health and social care.

“Staff will also benefit from better access to training and development opportunities through longer term investment and will have a greater influence on decision making and the future planning of services.”

Between now and April 1, the trust will be hosting a number of public events throughout the region, as well as attending existing community groups, forums and stakeholder meetings in order to seek the views of the public and invite them to become members – a full list is available on the trust’s website www.nwas.nhs.uk