NEW 15-minute targets for transferring patients from ambulances into hospitals are welcome, but should not be used as an excuse to cut the emergency fleet in Blaenau Gwent, says the area's AM.

Trish Law is backing the new target, which Assembly health minister Edwina Hart said will become mandatory from April.

But Mrs Law is continuing a campaign to prevent withdrawal of one of two ambulances at Aberbeeg ambulance station, and believes that even if 15-minutes turnarounds at hospitals become the norm, thus enabling vehicles to spend more time attending patients; current provision in Blaenau Gwent should be maintained.

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust is still considering moving an Aberbeeg-based ambulance out of Blaenau Gwent, cutting the county borough's emergency fleet by a third, and replacing it with Rapid Response Vehicle cover.

Mrs Law, who called the proposal "foolhardy" when it was proposed last year, maintains that view.

She said ambulances are often delayed in transferring patients, particularly at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

A knock-on effect is that patients and worried relatives often have to wait for lengthy periods for an ambulance to transport them to hospital, even if a paramedic has attended in an RRV.

In a letter to Ms Hart, Mrs Law called the situation "unacceptable" and one lending weight to her contention that there must be no ambulance withdrawal from Blaenau Gwent.

She believes the 15-minute target must be met and sustained over a period of time before any withdrawal can be contemplated.

"While I welcome the minister's announcement I want to be sure all ambulances will be freed up within 15 minutes at all times," said Mrs Law.

"I don't want this announcement used as an excuse to withdraw one of Aberbeeg's ambulances.

"That would be premature and unsafe. The safety and well-being of patients must be paramount."