A CONTROVERSIAL ambulance station merger could provide more money for patient care, an ambulance chief says.

County Durham and Darlington Health Authority has approved the North-East Ambulance Trust's plans to merge stations at Seaham and Ryhope, on the outskirts of Sunderland.

The move, which is due to be implemented in April, is part of the trust's drive to meet tougher Government targets for arrival times at emergencies.

The merger was fiercely opposed by Seaham Town Council and residents who submitted a protest petition with 6,500 names, but the trust's operations director, Steve Whinfield, said the move was designed to improve the service.

"The future for us is much more about dynamic ambulances standing by at strategic points instead of based in an ambulance station.

"That will benefit patients and there will be a financial benefit because one ambulance station is less expensive than two and any savings could be directed into patient care.

"Ryhope ambulance station is a purpose-built building and it has better facilities than Seaham so it will be better for staff.

"There is a point in the Seaham area from which we can cover a huge area in eight minutes.

"Because ambulances are out in the area they can get mobile quicker and get to the scene of an emergency quicker."

Mr Whinfield said the trust was boosting staff by 60 across its operating area which covers County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

The town council fears that Seaham could get a worse service under the merger and has pledged to monitor response times to see if the promised benefits are delivered