There are concerns about issues which could compromise patient and staff safety A fleet of new ambulances ordered by the Welsh Ambulance Service is being kept off the road because of design concerns, BBC Wales understands.
The 42 vehicles were due to be operational weeks ago, but about half are thought to be unsatisfactory and are not yet in service.
Up to 56 potential problems have been identified, which include 12 serious issues which could compromise safety.
The ambulance service says its ability to deliver services is not compromised.
The problems include the positioning of seats, cupboards and handles, as well as a shortage of interior space.
There are also concerns that the opening and closing of the rear door could potentially cause injury.
It is thought the bill for modifying the ambulances could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The Welsh Ambulance Service has decline to confirm the details of the faults, describing the issue as an "internal matter".
Peter Black AM Liberal Democrat“This is public money and we need to be assured that it is being spent effectively and efficiently”
In a short statement the service said: "We are working with suppliers to ensure that the vehicles are fit for purpose before deployment.
"This in no way inhibits the trust's ability to deliver services."
The vehicles were intended to replace older ambulances currently in use as part of the 221 emergency vehicle fleet.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Peter Black AM said the issue raised serious questions for the trust.
"The news that the Wales Ambulance Service is once more struggling with procurement issues is both disturbing and unwelcome," he said.
"This is public money and we need to be assured that it is being spent effectively and efficiently."
He added: "Unfortunately, reports of the ambulance trust's record to date raise doubts as to whether taxpayers are getting value for money from this procurement process."
In 2005 it emerged 46 newly converted vehicles were overweight when fully laden with fuel and people, and needed to be altered to make them safe.
In 2002 the trust bought 30 ambulances but the supplier went out of business before the contract was completed, and those which were delivered were found unsuitable for work in emergencies.
The Unite union, which represents many paramedics in Wales, said it was aware of the concerns, and hoped to work with the ambulance trust to resolve them.
This article is from the BBC News website. � British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-wales-13609579
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