Talks on ambulance staff concerns

Concerns have been voiced about single-staff ambulances

A cross-party meeting with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is to be held following concerns over single-staff ambulances, a MSP said.

Highlands and Islands Nationalist Rob Gibson said it would take place at the "earliest possible date".

Union Unison and some GPs have voiced concern about demands on the region's 200 paramedics and technicians.

However, the SAS said getting a trained paramedic to a patient in the first place was the most important factor.

Mr Gibson said: "The issue of single-manned ambulances is a prime issue of safety in remote and rural areas.

"I have had constituents contacting me to raise their concerns. Doctors and other health professionals have also been fairly vociferous on the subject."