News that non-emergency ambulance staff are owed thousands of pounds, following the collapse of VM Langfords with debts of more than £444,000, is not acceptable and I have written to the commissioning body to ask not only to resolve this, but also about their contingency plans should another sub-contractor -; or even the main contractor Coperforma -; go bust. 

Since the contract to run Patient Transport was given to Coperforma there has been nothing but disaster and staff have suffered enough. I will expect to see health chiefs now create a service along more sustainable lines and to learn lessons from what has been a complete shambles.

Thank heavens the GMB union is to make hardship payments to staff now struggling to pay bills and rent, but this situation should never have arisen.

If you want to make your own voice heard the GMB have organised protests – you can find out more HERE.