Probe into ambulance 'doctoring'

Two ambulance service workers have been suspended

Two ambulance service workers have been suspended over allegations they altered emergency response times.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has said it has begun an investigation into the incident.

A spokesman said an issue had arisen regarding the recording of response times at the Regional Emergency Medical Despatch Centre based in Belfast.

It involved a small number of calls over a short period of time, the spokesman said.

It is understood the matter was identified by internal systems.

The Transport and General Workers Union confirmed that two of its members have been suspended.

Union spokesman Albert Mills confirmed the suspensions followed allegations of logging incorrect response times to emergency call-outs - a serious disciplinary offence.

John McPoland, from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, said there was no reason for the public to be concerned.

"I would move to allay any fears that the service that was provided in relation to ambulances getting out to people was in any way compromised, because it wasn't compromised," he said.

"Our staff attend calls as quickly as they possibly can and probably more importantly provide the highest standard of care to any patient to whom they're called to."