His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar notes the recent concerns raised regarding the GHA ambulance dispatch system and, in particular, the statement issued by the GSD.

The GHA operates its ambulance dispatch services under a licensed agreement with Priority Dispatch, employing the internationally recognised Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). This system is the global standard for emergency call handling, offering a structured, evidence-based approach to managing diverse emergency situations. The rigorous questioning protocols followed by GHA dispatchers are a fundamental part of this system, designed to prioritise caller safety and ensure an appropriate and timely response.

All GHA dispatch staff have undergone comprehensive training provided by Priority Dispatch and have achieved certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch, thereby assuring the GHA of their compliance with international best practices. The GHA's adherence to these standards has been independently verified, with external UK-based advisors.

Since the system's adoption last year, the GHA Complaints Department has received two formal complaints concerning ambulance dispatch. Both were thoroughly reviewed and resolved without the need for further escalation or changes in practice.

The GHA is aware of the recent incident shared on social media involving the emergency response to a one-week-old baby. 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.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: "I have spoken to the affected family myself and wanted to reassure them that the GHA is there to help and that the matter will, of course, be investigated. Ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who seeks emergency care must remain our top priority. The GHA has taken immediate action to review the procedures followed in this case and is committed to identifying any areas for improvement to further elevate our standards. I am advised by the professionals involved that the system being used is internationally recognised and that there have been no failures identified pertaining to the new system. At this stage, however, we are not able to comment on the findings.”