Written question WQ84640

Ambulance resourcing is an operational matter and as such remains the responsibility of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, in collaboration with local health boards and the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee, as the joint commissioners of ambulance services in Wales.

Last year, the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust began the process of undertaking a national roster review, as part of a suite of actions, informed by the recommendations from an independent capacity and demand review to better match capacity to current and future demand.

The national roster review process is an essential step towards delivering a modern, high-performing ambulance service. It will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rosters and ensure the right mix of staff and resources, which are best placed geographically, to deliver a responsive and equitable emergency ambulance service across all parts of Wales.

The new rosters for all stations in Wales are being developed in partnership between WAST management teams and staff, facilitated by an external roster company. This work is ongoing and is being taken forward in partnership with staff, Trade Union colleagues and commissioners.

I expect the revised rosters to begin to be implemented from September 2022, and for 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.