Release Date :  Wednesday 19 November 2008

The Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon, today formally opened a new ambulance station in Springburn, Glasgow. 

The new facility at Laverockhall Street in Springburn is the result of investment in a £437,500 upgrade to provide modern facilities for around 100 operational staff. It replaces the old station in Maitland Street and is in an ideal location to respond to calls, with quick access to the city centre and other areas thanks to its close proximity of the motorway and other major roads.
 
Nine emergency ambulances, two motorbikes and one paramedic response vehicle operate from the station, as well as nine non emergency patient transport vehicles and specially designed vehicle for bariatric patients. Emergency crews at Springburn are amongst the busiest in the country and respond to 65 incidents a day.
 
The building also houses new training suites and administrative offices, a kitchen and dining area lounge and leisure room, showers and changing facilities.
 
The Glasgow Special Operations Response Team (SORT) is also based at the Springburn station, operating with a number of specially adapted vehicles. SORT teams are trained to respond to major incidents and situations that involve chemical, biological or nuclear agents where decontamination of patients is required.
 
Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing said:

“This is an important investment in Glasgow and creates a modern working environment for ambulance crews, as well as improving their ability to respond quickly to patients. The new facility is a significant enhancement for ambulance care in the city.”
 
Pauline Howie, Acting Chief Executive, Scottish Ambulance Service added:

“The investment in the new facility in Springburn is part of our strategy to upgrade stations to meet the needs of our staff and patients. The station is well positioned to serve the northwest and city centre and provides excellent facilities for staff.”
 
The average response time for a life threatening call in Glasgow is 7.7 minutes