Written question WQ86652

In June 2022, we made £3m funding available to enable the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust to increase ambulance capacity, including the recruitment of 100 additional frontline staff and a range of agreed workforce efficiencies.

I have received assurances from the Trust that many of the additional staff are currently in training, with all 100 expected to be operational by 23rd January 2022 through targeted deployment.

We have seen progress from the Trust in delivering the agreed workforce efficiencies which are helping to increase capacity, including:

• A reduction in sickness absence, supported by an attendance management programme and 40-point plan

• Increased ‘consult and close’ rates where patients are discharged over the telephone. This rate was 13% in October and WAST are aiming to achieve 15% by the end of the year.

• Implementation of new staff rosters. Over 50% of these new rosters have already been implemented, with the remaining rosters will be implemented by the end of November. This will deliver an efficiency equivalent to 72 whole time equivalent staff.

WAST estimates that the actions above, combined with the recruitment of the 100 additional staff will deliver the equivalent of over 1,200 extra emergency ambulance shifts across Wales.