Final phase for single ambulance service approach

Plans to create a single ambulance service for the South West are nearing completion with a recommendation to approve the process now with the Secretary of State for Health.

Approval will see South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) take on services currently provided by Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS) from 1st February 2013 – creating an organisation serving a resident population of over 5.3 million people.

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of both organisations, said:

“The two trusts’ desire in October 2011 to create a partnership was based on a real confidence that it was in the best interests of patients, staff and taxpayers. Over the past year, the proposals – and accompanying business case – have rightly been subjected to rigorous scrutiny by a range of external bodies, as well as by the trusts’ boards.

“It is reassuring that at no stage of the process have there been any concerns that the partnership should not proceed and we are now looking forward to receiving final approval from the Secretary of State.

“Throughout this period, we have also sought to actively engage with the communities we serve and their representatives to update them on our plans and to reassure people that our commitment is to improve the care and service we provide to patients.

“A huge amount of work has been done – and continues to be done – by staff of both trusts to ensure a smooth integration. This has been achieved while focusing on continuing to meet all national performance standards and deliver excellent patient care. 

“I therefore welcome this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank all staff from both organisations for their commitment and dedication during what I know is an unsettling time.”