Walter Finch
Gibraltar’s health authorities have defended their ambulance dispatch procedures after public criticism of their response to attending to a one-week-old baby.
The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) claimed that it has only received two formal complaints since it implemented a new system last year, both of which were resolved without significant intervention.
The incident involving the baby triggered a comprehensive review under the GHA’s Clinical Governance Framework, according to the government.
It said that Health Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez personally contacted the affected family, promising a thorough investigation.
“The GHA is aware of the recent incident shared on social media involving the emergency response to a one-week-old baby,” it said in a statement.
“Although this matter has not been raised as a formal complaint, the GHA has, as part of its Clinical Governance Framework, initiated a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding this event.”
Independent UK-based advisors have already verified the dispatch system’s standards, providing additional reassurance about its operational integrity.
The GHA also explained that it uses the globally recognised Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), an evidence-based emergency call handling protocol used worldwide.
All dispatch staff have completed comprehensive training and achieved Emergency Medical Dispatch certification.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone seeking emergency care remains our top priority,” Arias-Vasquez stated.
The controversy highlights the intense scrutiny faced by emergency medical services, where every second and every decision can have critical consequences.
