Apology over heart attack patient’ s wait

Aheart attack patient left waiting an hour for urgent transport to hospital has spoken out, fearing lives could be at risk.

Bill Ritchie’s ordeal began when he found himself coughing and struggling to breathe at his Tarland home on Friday June 4.

But he made his own way to the nearest hospital five miles away because he didn’t want to bother the emergency services.

Upon arriving, however, the 60-year-old found the building closed.

He initially thought he was suffering the symptoms of Covid and, as he felt his condition continue to worsen, dialled 999 and asked for an ambulance.

It was only then that he realised the nearest ambulance depot was based in a town 13 miles away.

Bill estimates it took around one hour for help to arrive – but it did so in the form of a single crew.

And when its staff realised he was having a heart attack, they had to task another vehicle to take him to the emergency department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

A two-person crew is needed to transfer patients to hospital.

“I can’t fault these guys for doing their job,” he said.

“I’m just disappointed with how everything was done – that the ambulance service doesn’t have the fleet there that’s required for the job.”

Bill spent around a fortnight receiving treatment in hospital and is now recovering at home.

He has now spoken to Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett about his concerns.

“It’s the first time in my life I’ve felt strongly enough to go and contact my MSP,” Bill added.

Mr Burnett said the scenario provides “evidence” that emergency vehicles should not be despatched with single crew members.

“The case involving Mr Ritchie is absolutely shocking and I’m extremely concerned at the length of time he was left waiting for an ambulance,” he added.

“No one should have to suffer that traumatic experience, especially when they are in such a life-threatening situation.

“This incident shows that someone with the same urgent need for care in a rural area might not get the same level of service as someone in an urban area which is very worrying.”

An ambulance service spokesman said patient confidentiality limits what can be said, but added: “Managing the demand on the ambulance service can be very challenging and we prioritise our responses and our ambulance resources according to clinical need, ensuring that our sickest patients receive the most urgent response.

“We are very sorry for this delay and we will be contacting the patient directly to apologise.”

CONCERNING: Bill Ritchie is sharing his story as he fears lives could be put at risk.