SORRY, we made a mistake.

Halton Hospital chiefs apologised for mistakenly telling World readers last week that paramedics 'ensuring greater patient safety' would accompany patients on a new ambulance transfer service, when only drivers trained in first aid will be on board.

They have also changed their policy after leaving stroke and disabled patients - who currently travel in free taxis - off strict new criteria.

Anyone experiencing poor mobility will now qualify.

"It's a victory for common sense," said Bob Bryant, chairman of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum and Halton Let's Go stroke club.

"It's a complete turnaround. I'm very pleased that they've looked again and listened to our comments. We will be monitoring the situation."

Anna Alexander, deputy director of nursing, said: "The trust apologises for making a genuine error. We are happy to correct the inaccurate statement pointed out to us by the Runcorn World. It was not our intention to deliberately mislead in any way.

"An ambulance is the correct vehicle to transport ill and vulnerable patients. It is also a more efficient method. All savings will be ploughed back into patient services."

From Saturday, July 1, Mersey Regional Ambulance Service (MRAS) will ferry patients who are eligible free to hospital.

Andy Hickson, assistant director of operations for non emergency services, said: "Our drivers are not paramedics. They are trained in basic life support, CPR and oxygen therapy. If something were ever to happen, they can call for an emergency ambulance. No patients will be put at risk."

Only four or five patients will travel together, he said, and shouldn't be on the vehicle for longer than an hour.

Around 95 per cent of patients will be collected within an hour of the completion of their treatment or consultation.

Mr Hickson said: "I can reassure patients they will not be having charabanc outings in a double-decker bus with 20 at a time.

"We want to make sure that patients who need ambulance transport for appointments get it."

Patients who are blind, partially sighted, experience severe mental difficulties, need oxygen en route, have renal dialysis, cancer or if their treatment is likely to cause severe side effects, qualify.

You can book transport by calling 0845-1481733.