While private ambulances and hospitals play important part in keeping over stretched health service functioning, recent case of an old patient who catapulted to death in private ambulance transferring her to hospital has raised concerns, as these non-emergency ambulances are not regulated. Even the driver had no CPR training, thus unable to provide basic assistance, had to wait for NHS ambulance to arrive when time is of essence to save lives.
Private hospitals should check suitability before awarding such contracts. It is time government should regulate, licence and make it mandatory to have minimum standard both for vehicles and drivers to avoid such tragic accidents in future. Loss of even one life under such circumstances is one too many.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
