A time to rebuild

Yesterday (Monday November 17) David Whiting, Yorkshire Ambulance Service chief executive resigned ‘with immediate effect’.

Unite’s 340 ambulance staff, who have held strikes against the changes to shift patterns and meal breaks, have welcomed the news.

Terry Cunliffe, Unite regional officer said he would be seeking an early meeting when the new chief executive was appointed ‘to open a new chapter’ for ambulance staff and the public.

“This is not a time for recrimination, but a time to rebuild the service for the benefit of the patients and staff,” said Mr Cunliffe.

“We see this as a new chapter opening up and Unite is determined to play a constructive role in this renewal process.”

Under Mr Whiting’s leadership Unite’s ambulance members have held a series of strikes.

The dispute began when bosses derecognised Unite as a union representing staff, after the union raised concerns about patient safety in early 2013.

Patient safety was being put at risk by plans to send semi-skilled emergency care assistants to 999 call-outs.

“I would also like to pay great tribute to our members who have shown enormous solidarity and resolve during very difficult times over the last two years,” added Terry.