A RETIRED ambulanceman has expressed concern over the running of the vital service in Warrington.

He is speaking in the light of a report which heavily criticised Mersey Regional Ambulance Service after a report was released which examined why a mum-of-three died following a massive delay in her air transfer to a Leeds hospital.

As reported in the Guardian, 34-year-old Julie Donaldson died in May 1999. She desperately needed a liver transplant but her treatment was put on hold due to a delay in arranging an air ambulance. The report condemned the lack of protocols in place to govern the use of air ambulances, and slammed the actions of Mersey Regional Ambulance Service's chief executive David Todhunter who rejected a waiting North West Aero Medical Services air ambulance because of what appeared to be a 'deep antipathy' between him and a key member of staff at the company.

The former ambulanceman, who does not wish to be named, said: "Managers can't manage, morale is at an all-time low, sickness levels are sky high, manning levels are totally inadequate for a town of Warrington's size.

"I would urge the public to voice their concerns to their MPs and councillors."

And he also questioned the leadership of Mr Todhunter, who has been on sick leave since three days before the report was released.

"He was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of bullying a manager who subsequently retired due to ill health with £105,000 damages plus court costs and yet he is still allowed to stay in post. Questions need asking why."

And he passed on the staff's sympathies to Mrs Donaldson's loved ones: "We would like to offer our deepest condolences from all the staff to the family of Julie Donaldson. We are 100 per cent totally behind you in your quest for justice over the shambles in which Julie was transferred."