Menu
27/05/2003
Ambulance staff must not be placed in ‘impossible position’
The plight of an ambulance driver facing prosecution for doing 104 mph while transporting vital organs for transplant has attracted support from unions and the Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox.
West Yorkshire ambulance driver Mike Ferguson has been charged by Crown prosecutors for speeding when he rushed a liver destined for an emergency transplant operation at high speed from Leeds to Cambridge. It is understood that as the law stands currently a vehicle carrying organs for transplant does not qualify as an ambulance under the legal definition.
Dr Fox said: “For thousands of patients and their families awaiting organs for transplantation, this case is enormously important.
“The onus is always on ambulance staff to drive safely under all circumstances. But it is unacceptable that lack of clarity in the law can leave them vulnerable when carrying out their vital work.
“It is essential that, whatever the outcome of this case, the law is clarified, so that ambulance and other professional staff are given the full protection they need to carry out their duties for the benefit of patients.”
Mr Ferguson has stated that he would do the same again, but that the police evidently had a differing opinion.
Both the West Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the GMB union are supporting 36-year-old Senior Ambulance Driver Mike Ferguson, who has a clear driving record, in the case.
He faces losing his driving licence and possibly his job if the case brought by the Crown Prosecution Service after the detection by Lincolnshire Constabulary proceeds.
Officers in Cambridgeshire apparently were prepared to turn a blind eye to the speeding ambulance with its lights flashing on its mercy dash.
However, a spokesperson for the CPS said that the incident did not appear to be a medical emergency and that it was therefore up to a court to rule on the case.
(SP)
West Yorkshire ambulance driver Mike Ferguson has been charged by Crown prosecutors for speeding when he rushed a liver destined for an emergency transplant operation at high speed from Leeds to Cambridge. It is understood that as the law stands currently a vehicle carrying organs for transplant does not qualify as an ambulance under the legal definition.
Dr Fox said: “For thousands of patients and their families awaiting organs for transplantation, this case is enormously important.
“The onus is always on ambulance staff to drive safely under all circumstances. But it is unacceptable that lack of clarity in the law can leave them vulnerable when carrying out their vital work.
“It is essential that, whatever the outcome of this case, the law is clarified, so that ambulance and other professional staff are given the full protection they need to carry out their duties for the benefit of patients.”
Mr Ferguson has stated that he would do the same again, but that the police evidently had a differing opinion.
Both the West Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the GMB union are supporting 36-year-old Senior Ambulance Driver Mike Ferguson, who has a clear driving record, in the case.
He faces losing his driving licence and possibly his job if the case brought by the Crown Prosecution Service after the detection by Lincolnshire Constabulary proceeds.
Officers in Cambridgeshire apparently were prepared to turn a blind eye to the speeding ambulance with its lights flashing on its mercy dash.
However, a spokesperson for the CPS said that the incident did not appear to be a medical emergency and that it was therefore up to a court to rule on the case.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2006
Law change for organ donors
Radical changes to laws governing organ and tissue donation are being introduced, which may lead to more life-saving transplant operations. Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, which comes into effect on September 1, relatives will no longer have the right to overrule the wishes of loved ones to donate organs or tissue after their death.
Law change for organ donors
Radical changes to laws governing organ and tissue donation are being introduced, which may lead to more life-saving transplant operations. Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, which comes into effect on September 1, relatives will no longer have the right to overrule the wishes of loved ones to donate organs or tissue after their death.
18 December 2008
Ambulance Service Under Pressure As 999 Calls Soar
People are being asked to avoid calling 999 unless it is an emergency, as ambulance services are struggling to cope with outbreaks of illness the cold winter weather has brought.
Ambulance Service Under Pressure As 999 Calls Soar
People are being asked to avoid calling 999 unless it is an emergency, as ambulance services are struggling to cope with outbreaks of illness the cold winter weather has brought.
15 October 2012
Pakistani Schoolgirl Shot By Taliban En-Route To UK For Specialist Treatment
A Pakistani schoolgirl who had campaigned for the rights of young females to an educations, is on her way to the UK for specialist medical treatment after being shot by the Taliban.
Pakistani Schoolgirl Shot By Taliban En-Route To UK For Specialist Treatment
A Pakistani schoolgirl who had campaigned for the rights of young females to an educations, is on her way to the UK for specialist medical treatment after being shot by the Taliban.
28 June 2007
Baby Zoe has heart transplant
The baby girl at the top of the heart transplant list has received a donor heart. At just 18-months-old Zoe Chambers from Hull had already suffered six heart attacks due to a narrow heart valve. Doctors at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle say that the transplant operation went well and Zoe is in a stable condition.
Baby Zoe has heart transplant
The baby girl at the top of the heart transplant list has received a donor heart. At just 18-months-old Zoe Chambers from Hull had already suffered six heart attacks due to a narrow heart valve. Doctors at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle say that the transplant operation went well and Zoe is in a stable condition.
12 August 2010
Coastguard Save Teen, But Fall Girl Dies
There was both tragedy and good news for the Coastguard yesterday with a teenager successfully rescued from a cliff and separately, a youngster being killed in a similar incident. Around 9.30pm last night, Milford Haven Coastguard received a 999 call reporting a boy stuck approximately 20 feet up a cliff at Newgale.
Coastguard Save Teen, But Fall Girl Dies
There was both tragedy and good news for the Coastguard yesterday with a teenager successfully rescued from a cliff and separately, a youngster being killed in a similar incident. Around 9.30pm last night, Milford Haven Coastguard received a 999 call reporting a boy stuck approximately 20 feet up a cliff at Newgale.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
