Shot in arm for 999 cover

Protesters opposed to the downgrading of health provision in Caithness have welcomed a cash boost that will ease pressure on “over-stretched” ambulance cover.

Nine new paramedic and technician jobs will be created, and an additional ambulance will be on duty thanks to funding being increased to £491,000 from the originally-planned £400,000.

Liz Gordon of the GMB union said: “In the face of closures and cutbacks, in particular to maternity services, this is welcome relief.”

Peter Todd of campaign group Caithness Health Action Team (Chat) welcomed the extra cash, saying: “The added investment will provide more ambulance cover for Caithness and north Sutherland.”

The cash will be split between NHS Highland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, and means there will be a 24/7 onshift service at Wick and Thurso, which was previously part-time, with an additional vehicle on duty for 16 hours a day between the two stations.