PLANS for a single ambulance service for the South West are nearing completion.
A recommendation has been put through to the Secretary of State for Health to approve plans for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to take on services currently provided by Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust from February 1.
The new combined service will serve a population of more than 5.3 million people.
The new trust will have a workforce of around 4,000, based at more than 120 sites, including 96 ambulance stations and 6 air bases.
Ken Wenman, chief executive of both organisations, said the desire to create the partnership was based on ‘real confidence’ that it was in the ‘best interests of patients, staff and taxpayers’.
He said: “A huge amount of work has been done – and continues to be done – by staff of both trusts to ensure a smooth integration.
“I welcome this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank all staff from both organisations for their commitment and dedication during what I know is an unsettling time.”
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