Update from Anthony Marsh - 6th November 2014

The first signs of winter have arrived this week and as such our winter plan comes into force to ensure we continue to maintain a safe service to patients. There are various ways this will happen; from the hospital ambulance liaison officer role (the majority of which are now in post across the region), to the range of vehicles we have ready to help us on the road; we now have nearly 200 vehicles in our fleet having either 4x4 or all-wheel drive capability. This number will continue to increase over the next year or so as well. Our external communications plan, ‘Wise up for Winter’, is also being launched on Monday, which aims to encourage the public about planning ahead during and making the right choices for their health needs, such as visiting their local GP or pharmacist or using 111.

In previous years our turnaround delays at some hospitals have been a real issue, and have meant we have had to stack 999 calls whilst ambulances queue outside A&E departments. This is an unacceptable risk to our patients and causes unnecessary stress and pressure on our staff. Therefore, our locality directors are writing to all of the hospitals in their area to explain the impact of handover delays and what actions we expect hospitals to be taking to minimise such delays this winter. As soon as this plan has been finalised, we will share more details in Need to Know.

There will also be a further 100 new staff operational by Christmas and more new emergency ambulances operational, which will help to deal with the additional activity associated with this time of year.

Please also remember to think about your own health and safety and make sure you do what you can to look after yourself. Your well-being is of the upmost importance and I urge you to make the right choices to keep healthy and well this winter.

 

Published 6th November 2014