A SECURE website for whistleblowers has been launched over concerns about Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS).

The union Unite has launched the site for the public and ambulance workers over what it calls "growing concerns around possible life threatening issues" at YAS.

The union's concerns include that Emergency Care Assistants (ECA) are being sent out to emergencies without a qualified paramedic, that emergency codes may be being altered to reach targets and that people who raise their concerns are being targeted.

The allegations have been described as "misleading claims" by YAS.

Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, said: “Patient safety must come first and the public must have the right to blow the whistle if they feel this is being compromised. We are urging the public and staff to use our secure and confidential website if they believe they have issues of concern about the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.”

However, Ian Brandwood, executive director of people and engagement at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We strongly refute the misleading claims Unite the Union has made around patient safety, the role of Emergency Care Assistants - who do not go out without qualified paramedics, and the Trust’s longer-term plans. We have a comprehensive whistleblowing policy in place and encourage staff to use that avenue in absolute confidence.

“Despite Unite’s campaign against us we have tried to work with them to ensure we have a better relationship, yet they are failing to deliver on commitments they have made, and have consistently ignored calls to meet with us."

Earlier this year concerns were raised about the length of time it is taking ambulances to reach 999 patients in the York area.

Figures have shown YAS is still consistently missing targets to get to the most serious “Red 1” medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and respiratory arrests.

In the York area the target is for 75 per cent of ambulance to arrive at these emergencies within eight minutes but this is regularly being missed. In August 65.7 per cent of ambulances made the time limit, 72.1 per cent in September and 71.6 per cent in October.

However, yesterday it emerged that target times for ambulances to reach some seriously-ill patients could be lengthened.

A leaked document, includes plans to change the response time for some "Red 2" patients - those with "serious but not the most life-threatening" conditions - from eight to 19 minutes in England.

It said the proposals have been approved by Mr Hunt, subject to confirmation from the medical directors of ten ambulance trusts.

The secure website to report dangerous incidents has been set up by Unite at http://act.unitetheunion.org/page/s/yorkshire-ambulance-service