More than 100 new ambulances and additional 999 call handlers are being prepared ahead of an 'important' winter. East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has shared how new ambulances, additional 999 call handlers and staff welfare vehicles are being readied in Nottinghamshire as the end of the year nears.
The winter months are traditionally one of the busiest times of year for the NHS due to increases in flu cases and cold weather-related illnesses such as trips and falls. For the ambulance service, it can also become more challenging to reach patients in need due to adverse weather and poor road conditions.
110 brand new, high-spec ambulances are set to replace older vehicles being retired from service. New 999 call handlers have also been recruited, including in EMAS' Nottingham control room, with an additional 60 call handlers hired.
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From early December, staff welfare vehicles will be stationed at hospital emergency departments in the region to help ensure the wellbeing of ambulance crews. They will offer staff hot drinks and a safe place to have a quick break during their shift.
EMAS is also piloting new processes to help staff finish on time to protect their wellbeing. During periods of intense demand, the service will receive additional support from local Private Ambulance Service providers.
Greg Cox, Divisional Director for Nottinghamshire, explained there were two clear focuses for the coming winter months. He said: “This winter it is more important than ever that we work with our NHS system partners to ensure we are able to provide the best care possible to the patients who really need us, as well as looking after our staff during this period of increased demand.
“This includes working with both our senior EMAS clinicians and healthcare colleagues so that only patients who genuinely need an ambulance receive one, and also working daily with our NHS system partners to reduce hospital handover delays. As Nottingham is the largest city in the East Midlands and a favourite location for revellers to visit during the festive period, we are also working with our police and St John Ambulance colleagues to ensure we have additional medical support on key dates to reduce any additional pressure on our NHS services.”
The ambulance service said it had a number of key Nottinghamshire-specific projects this winter. EMAS will be working with St John Ambulance in Nottingham city centre throughout the festive period, as well as joint responding with Nottinghamshire Police in the city centre.
Two welfare vehicles for EMAS staff will be based at Queen’s Medical Centre and King’s Mill Hospital. They are also making efforts to ensure every staff member has some respite over the festive period.
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