A MYSTERY case where a North East patient reportedly died in hospital after waiting for an ambulance was set aside as Indigo Shire leaders met an Ambulance Victoria chief on Monday.
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Mayor Jenny O'Connor said it was decided to omit the case when she, deputy Sophie Price and council chief executive Trevor Ierino met Ambulance Victoria executive director clinical operations Mick Stephenson.
"Yes that case got us to the table but we agreed there was no value in going to that," Cr O'Connor said.
She is confident there is no lingering bad blood and Mr Stephenson felt similarly.
"There are always challenges in providing services in any public service, we don't resile away from those challenges, but we will work together," Mr Stephenson said.
Cr O'Connor is upbeat response times can be tackled and the set-up of ambulance community officers and community emergency response teams bolstered.
She said the existing structure had "immense value but we need a bit more paramedic input".
"What that looks like, whether it's another station or additional hours, we haven't got to that clarity yet," Cr O'Connor said.
Mr Stephenson defended the officers and teams, saying their skills were "constantly" updated and "make a real difference to patients in time-critical emergencies".
