AMBULANCE waiting times in Beaconsfield could improve after planning permission was granted for a new standby point in the town.
A ‘Rapid Response Amenity Point’ next to Beaconsfield Cricket Club will allow paramedics to wait longer in the area and respond quicker to emergency calls as a result.
Mark Begley, South Central Ambulance’s emergency services manager for Bucks said: “It has taken us two and a half years to get where we so I am very happy this site has been secured and approved.
“We know the benefit of being in the right place at the right time, and this new standby point allows us to do that.
“This new facility means we can keep crews in the area much longer and available to respond to emergency calls around Beaconsfield much more efficiently.
“We already provide an excellent service in the area but this will make the response times even better.”
Mr Begley said in the past ambulances had to wait at the side of road rather than staying at the High Wycombe base and benefitting only the people who lived nearby.
However, paramedics would eventually need to leave to use toilet and refreshment facilities.
The new site, which received temporary planning permission from South Bucks District Council last month, will offer crews those amenities while they wait for emergency calls.
It will replace the current site at St John's Ambulance, Meadow Lane, the location of which does not meet the 'gold criteria' strived for by the service.
The new amenity point is also well located to respond to both north and south bound carriageways of the M40.
But Mr Begley maintained the community in Beaconsfield are the primary reason for the chosen location.
The permission for the modular building just off the A40 lasts for five years, which Mr Begley insisted is a deliberate and positive move.
“The good thing about these buildings are that we can move them if we need to,” he said.
“In the future, with changes to the town and infrastructure, we may find we are in the wrong place and need to move to improve our service.
“Our priority is the health and welfare of our patients, and this will help us do that. It will be a real plus point for the community.”
