THE number of ambulances responding to emergency calls within eight minutes in Gwent fell by 5.9 per cent in July, but is still far above the national target.

Statistics released by the Welsh Government showed ambulances in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area arrived at the scene of a ‘red call’ – the most serious or life-threatening incidents – within eight minutes in 76.7 per cent of cases in July.

Although this is down from 82.6 per cent the previous month, it is still higher than the Welsh average of 75.3 per cent in July and 77.1 per cent in June and far above the target of 65 per cent.

And ambulance response times in Gwent were the second quickest in the country at an average of 4.52 minutes, compared with a Welsh average of 5.05 minutes.

The Welsh Ambulance Service’s director of operations Richard Lee said he was “pleased” by the figures.

“We want to thank our staff and volunteers for their sterling efforts in enabling us to achieve this level of service delivery for our patients,” he said.

“Our focus now is on making sure that we continue to work on the equity of service we provide to move this onto a more substantial footing, as well as improving the quality and timeliness of our response to amber calls.”

The service handled an average of 1,277 calls a day in July, up 3.4 per cent on the previous month.

Wales’ health secretary Vaughan Gething called the national figures “encouraging”.

“I want to thank Welsh Ambulance Service staff for their dedication to providing the help people need quickly, in spite of these pressures.

“Today’s statistics show that the new model we introduced last October is contributing to a rapid emergency response service for patients who really need it. People should feel confident the new system is putting a greater focus on the quality of care people receive and their outcomes.

"We have much to be proud of here in Wales, however we will not be resting on our laurels. The Welsh Ambulance Service – and the wider health and social care system – is already planning for the coming months and the difficult winter period.

To view the full statistics visit gov.wales/statistics-and-research.