Outrage over ‘sham’ meeting

It is claimed the meeting, to discuss the future of ambulance services in Bassetlaw, was announced with four days notice.

A press release issued on Friday 5th October announced a series of public meetings, starting with Worksop on Tuesday 9th October.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann told the meeting: “Why weren’t our local newspapers notified in time for their deadlines?”

“If people had been properly informed, they would have spilling out of the doors and into the car park.”

And a member of the public shouted from the back of the Ceres Suite at Worksop Town Hall that the meeting was ‘a sham’.

Bassetlaw Council leader Simon Greaves said: “EMAS are trying to evade the scrutiny of the people of Bassetlaw by holding an event at such short notice that they hope no one turns up.”

David Farrelly, director of workforce and strategy for EMAS, promised that further meetings would be held in Worksop in response to demand.

He added: “If we didn’t see changes following today’s meeting I would be very surprised.”

“There certainly looks to be a gap in Bassetlaw.”

EMAS chief exec Phil Milligan responded to the criticism saying the meeting dates were published on 25th September on the EMAS website and Twitter account.

“Then on the 28th September, we notified all MPs and media outlets via our EMAS Aspect newsletter which was published on our website and sent to individuals and organisations with an interest in the service EMAS provides.”

EMAS’ consultation Being The Best runs until 17th December. Read more at www.emas.nhs.uk or call 0800 917 9911 for a copy.