Pembrokeshire politician demands action after 85-year-old man waits 16 hours for ambulance

An 85-year-old man was left waiting more than 16 hours for an ambulance after suffering a fall at home, prompting Ceredigion Penfro Senedd Member Paul Davies to demand urgent action from the Welsh Government over ambulance response times.
Mr Davies raised the deeply concerning case of his constituent, Mr Lambert, during proceedings in the Senedd on November 10, calling for a formal statement from the Cabinet Secretary responsible for health on the performance of ambulance services across Wales.
The Senedd Member revealed that he had been contacted by Mr Lambert's family after the pensioner suffered a fall at his home last week and was left waiting more than 16 hours for an ambulance to arrive.
Mr Davies described the delay as "totally unacceptable", warning that the experience raised serious questions about ambulance response times, capacity pressures and the impact on some of the most vulnerable people in Welsh communities.
Mr Davies said:"I've been contacted by the family of an 85-year-old constituent, Mr Lambert, who last week suffered a fall at his home and waited for an ambulance for over 16 hours.
"I'm sure you'll agree with me that this is totally unacceptable and raises serious concerns about ambulance response times, capacity pressures within the service, and the impact such delays are having on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities."
He went on to call for urgent action and greater accountability, stating: "Mr Lambert was let down by the service and it's vital that lessons are now learnt, and that urgent action is taken to improve response times across Wales."
Mr Davies has requested that the Welsh Government outline the steps being taken to improve ambulance response times and ensure that vulnerable patients are not subjected to similar experiences.
The Welsh Conservative added:"No 85-year-old who has suffered a fall at home should be left waiting more than 16 hours for an ambulance. It is an appalling situation, and I can only imagine the distress and anxiety experienced by Mr Lambert and his family.
“When someone calls for an ambulance, particularly an older or vulnerable person, they need to have confidence that help will arrive when it is needed.
"I recognise the extraordinary pressures facing our ambulance crews and the dedication of those working on the front line. This is not a criticism of the hardworking paramedics and emergency staff who do their very best in incredibly difficult circumstances.
"However, we cannot simply accept delays of this magnitude as inevitable. We need to understand why they are happening, what is being done to address the pressures within the system, and how patients can be better protected. Mr Lambert and his family deserve answers, and so do the many other families across Wales who are worried about whether an ambulance will arrive in time when they need one.
"The Welsh Government must demonstrate that it is taking meaningful action to improve response times.”
©Video: Senedd TV