THE threat of dispute by the ambulance service over 'stand-bys' has made me extremely angry.

As a State Registered Nurse, I know that the paramedics are highly-trained people. They are continually assessed to keep standards necessarily high.

While 'stand bys' no doubt improve response times - which must look good on paper - there is little or no thought for the ambulance staff.

They often stand by in obscure locations, with no toilet facilities, let alone refreshment - often for hours.

These people continually miss meals and frequently work six hours without a hot drink.

So to deprive them of their chance for recuperation in the station, they are out in all weathers at a road junction or car park instead.

I know that the general public would back the paramedics all the way.

Their grievances are about rock-bottom morale, not the installation of a tea bar at every lay-by. I, for one, will back this professional, caring group of people to the hilt.

MAUREEN WEARDEN, Dugdale Road, Burnley.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.