Newtown ambulance unit to create five jobs

Five jobs will be created to man a new high dependency ambulance unit in Newtown, it was revealed today.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is set to roll out its high dependency service (HDS) —- a new breed of vehicle - ready to provide care in the community.

The service has launched a recruitment campaign at Newtown Ambulance Station from 1pm on March 31 for five new staff to man the service across north Powys.

HDS ambulances will work closely with the emergency control and command function and other stakeholders in primary and secondary care.

They will respond to non-emergency and urgent situations, providing treatment, personal care and safely transporting patients.

Richard Lee, regional director for Central and West Wales, said: "This service will arrive here to deal with the majority of the urgent work we currently have to manage using emergency crews.

"HDS will take the pressure off emergency ambulance crews working in the area, freeing them up to respond to life-threatening calls.

"This vehicle will deal with urgent admissions or hospital transfers that don't need a paramedic onboard."

He said HDS has already proved to be vital for the Welsh Ambulance Service and will improve the situation in north Powys.