Written question WQ84506

I meet regularly with the Chair of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. However, ambulance resourcing must remain an operational matter and the responsibility of the Trust, in collaboration with local health boards through the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee, as the commissioners of ambulance services in Wales.

I note your question is about rapid response vehicles although this is a broader national roster review based on evidence from an independent capacity and demand review. This review highlighted the need to better match capacity to demand through a mix of additional recruitment and a number of operational efficiencies.

The roster review process will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rosters and ensure staff and resources are best placed geographically to deliver a responsive and equitable emergency ambulance service across all parts of Wales.

The review was briefly paused at the end of last year, to allow consideration of more recent data and ensure the right configuration of staff and vehicles to meet current future demand. Following this re-modelling exercise, the review has resumed and I expect the revised rosters to begin to be implemented in September 2022.

Roster reviews are complex and sensitive and I understand the Trust has developed an agreed partnership approach with Trade Union colleagues to agree core principles and working parties to progress design and building of rosters.

I would expect the Trust to keep rosters under ongoing review to ensure there is equity of service across all parts of Wales and to ensure there is no adverse impact on responsiveness, staff and patient experience, or clinical outcomes.