A paramedic based in Forth Valley claims lives are being put at risk as roadworks cause chaos outside the areas main hospital.
Police have issued travel advise to motorists who use the A9 Stirling Road, Larbert, in a bid to reduce significant congestion at peak times.
We told you on Wednesday how some staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital have been trapped in the car park for around an hour, with ambulances also getting stuck leaving and entering the hospital.
And now there’s a warning the roadworks could cost a life.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, they said: “As a paramedic, we face traffic challenges daily, but this is just ridiculous.
"The work really couldn’t be positioned at a worst spot. We, as paramedics, have a separate access point to Forth Valley Royal, and it was designed like that to reduce delay in getting patients to the Emergency Department and getting us out of the Emergency Department to patients.
"However, over the past few days, at peak times, our access and exit point has been blocked by vehicles.
"And if it’s not blocked by vehicles, we end up getting stuck in the blockage a few yards down the road. It’s a challenge to get through the traffic at times.
"If we get a shout to Grangemouth, the quickest route is to exit Forth Valley Royal, turn left and head towards the M9 and enter the M9 from Torwood.
"It’s the same if we get a shout to Stirling, turn left and carry on along the A9 Stirling Road. But right now, we’re getting stuck and it’s causing delays to urgent care.
"The M876 entry slip is also along at the roadworks point, and we use that a lot for 999 calls to Denny and Banknock for example.
"Motorists play a huge part in this too though, a lot of the time we’re delayed because of inconsiderate drivers who are ignorant and refuse to make way for us despite our sirens blaring and lights flashing.
"Roadworks can’t be helped, they’re essential, but if motorists don’t start playing ball and showing some consideration to emergency crews trying to get through - well, it’s only a matter of time we don’t make it to a patient in time.”
We have contact the Scottish Ambulance Service for a comment.
