WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has hit out over a Care Quality Commission (CQC) decision to hold a single public meeting as part of its review of the North West Ambulance Service in Preston.

The MP has written to the health body asking them to hold meetings elsewhere including Warrington so residents can have their say.

She added: “I know that many people in Warrington are worried about the time they have had to wait for an ambulance.

“The CQC should be prepared to listen to their experiences.

“Saying they can write in is not good enough and one meeting in Preston will not do. “ CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals Professor Sir Mike Richards said they always welcome residents’ views and the ‘listening event’ on July 8 was originally to gather views on Lancashire Teaching Hospitals before the remit was extended to include North West Ambulance Service.

He added: “As part of this inspection we are also holding targeted focus groups with hard-to-reach communities and working closely with local Healthwatches.”

Visit cqc.org.uk for an online form to speak to an inspector.