Following a debate in the Commons last week, MP Mark Harper has been told by Health minister Caroline Flint that extra support will be provided.

Newent and Lydney will have six nights coverage, up from three and four, and Coleford will have cover every night.

Mr Harper met with the county's chief ambulance officer on Friday evening to discuss the improvements.

"We need to make sure the Dilke and Lydney [hospitals] have the ability for ambulances to take patients here rather than having to go to Gloucester," he said.

"That has two benefits. One is that we can improve the services of the community hospitals. Secondly, ambulances spend less of their time on the road travelling backwards and forwards between hospitals and more time here ready to respond more urgently to calls that come in."