14 July 2006
Jeremy Colman, the auditor general for Wales, is to carry out an investigation into the crisis-hit Welsh ambulance service.
Last month the Welsh Assembly voted for a public inquiry into the service, which has been told to make savings of £10m.
Interim chief executive Roger Thayne resigned in May rather than implement the cuts.
His successor, Anton van Dellen, said the service had debts of £5m-£6m, but added: 'What will not be acceptable in any way is for lives to be put at risk or lives to be lost as a result of balancing the books.'
Now the Wales Audit Office is stepping in. 'My inquiry will test the robustness of the plans,' Colman said.
PFjul2006
