New ambulance base to cut Newport response times

The new ambulance station being built in Newport could slash response times in the town by up to seven minutes when it opens next month, service bosses claimed today.

Work began on Monday morning on the base at Newport Cottage Care Centre in Upper Bar, and ambulance staff are expected to be operating from the site from mid-September. The move has been described as a win-win situation.

Robert Marsh, West Midlands Ambulance Service assistance area manager for Shropshire, said it would make it easier for crews to deal with emergencies in Newport and the surrounding villages.

Ambulances currently travel to Newport from Donnington, which takes about eight minutes.

Mr Marsh said: "I think it's fantastic news. The target for attending life-threatening incidents is eight minutes from call – this will make it much easier for emergencies in Newport and the surrounding areas.

"To travel to Newport from Donnington is about 6.4 miles and takes eight or nine minutes. The time saved could be the difference between life and death.

Mr Marsh said the emergency service had looked at other sites across Newport including schools, doctors surgeries and supermarkets before settling on a move to the care centre.

Derrick Clancy, estates manager for the centre, said it was a win-win situation, adding: "It's not just good for the centre, it's good for the town. It will provide a necessary service and will be quicker than travelling from Donnington."

The ambulance service was based at the town's fire station for four years but left about six months ago.

The centre will have facilities for ambulance staff and parking for emergency vehicles.