WIREDGOV

The Welsh Ambulance Service will receive 94 new vehicles thanks to a £10.3m investment from the Welsh Government, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford announced today.

The investment will allow the service to purchase:

• 35 new emergency ambulances;
• 13 rapid response vehicles/emergency patient vehicles;
• 10 patient care services vehicles, capable of carrying stretchers;
• 32 patient care services vehicles, capable of carrying wheelchairs;
• Four specialist vehicles.

The Welsh Ambulance Service currently has 706 vehicles in its fleet, which cover an area of more than 8,000 square miles across Wales.

The Minister for Finance and Government Business Jane Hutt allocated £10m for the Welsh Ambulance Service as part of the Welsh Government’s Final Budget for 2016-17.

Since 2011, the Welsh Government has invested almost £45m in new ambulance vehicles for the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Health and Social Services Minister, Mark Drakeford said:

“The demand on the Welsh Ambulance Service is growing every year, which is why it’s vital we invest in the latest vehicles so the service can deliver the best care for people in Wales.

“The £10.3m investment I’m announcing today will enable the Welsh Ambulance Service to upgrade its existing fleet. This is on top of the £34.3m we have already invested in new vehicles since 2011.

“This will ensure the ambulance service is able to deploy the most appropriate clinician in the most appropriate vehicle, ensuring people receive the quickest response possible.”

Richard Lee, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Interim Director of Operations added:

“Our ambulances and response cars in Wales are some of the most modern and well equipped in the UK and this funding will allow us to continue to replace our vehicles as they reach the end of their working life.

“Modern ambulances are essential in order that we can continue to provide the best treatment and patient experience possible. It is also key for our staff who spend the majority of their working day out and about in the community.

“We are very grateful to the Welsh Government for their continued support.”