Ambulance Takeover
Page 57
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PROPOSALS by the Minister of Health for the transfer of the ambulance services from the various local authorities to the regional hospital boards have encountered strong opposition from the Association of Municipal Corporations and the County Councils' Association. Furthermore, they have resulted in a statement by the Royal Commission on Local Government that the Commission sees no reason for making such a transfer prior to the announcement by the Commission of its recommendations regarding the future form of local government. The Minister contends that the organization of the service, including a number of urgent requirements, is largely bound up with the hospitals so that necessary changes should not have to wait for the Commission's recommendations.
Undoubtedly there is much to be said on both sides but in most areas with which I am acquainted feeling at operational level appears in favour of the present set-up with its invariable close links with other local departments.