Unite regional officer Terry Cunliffe has urged an NHS trust to rethink its cost-saving plans. The Yorkshire trust, which has to save £46 million over the next five years, is implementing staffing changes including emergency care assistants for paramedics. Mr Cunliffe said: "Currently, paramedics undergo a two-year degree course to equip them with the correct skills to respond to patients." He pointed out those in the new role will be responding to emergencies with only six weeks' training.