"Sincere thanks" to ambulance volunteers

Sunday 19 January 2020

14 volunteers have stepped forward to run Alderney's ambulance service and the island owes them a "debt of gratitude" according to the President of the States.

William Tate offered high praise to those who have been trained to run the service, under the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer.

"There was no shortage of volunteers and in my view this speaks volumes about our community," he said at the States of Alderney meeting on January 14. "We owe them a great debt of gratitude."

James Dent, Chairman of Policy & Finance, told the same States meeting: "I think we should all express our sincere thanks to those who have stepped forward to ensure this safe service."

Pictured: The former Chief Officer of Alderney Ambulance Service, Mel Walden, addressing States Members towards the end of last year. 

The States of Alderney took over the running of the Service in December when the Board of Alderney Ambulance Service Ltd said it was no longer able to provide a safe and sustainable ambulance service following an independent review.

The volunteers who had run the service went on strike in support of the former Chief Officer, Mel Walden, who was sacked. 

The States appealed for volunteers to work with the island's medical and emergency service professionals to operate a safe 24/7 service - 14 volunteers were trained to enable the service to operate under the leadership of the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer.