Lords Committee holds first evidence session in inquiry examining the role of ambulance services in supporting A&E capacity

On Wednesday 15 April, the House of Lords Public Services Committee will hold its first public evidence session on the role of ambulance services in supporting A&E capacity – focusing on the performance and governance of ambulance services and the situation in, and performance of, A&E departments.

The session will start at 11:00am and can be watched live or on demand at Parliament TV or heard in person in Committee Room 4, Palace of Westminster.

Giving evidence will be:

• Jason Killens KAM, Chair, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives;
• Dr John Martin, Chief Executive, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; and
• Sarah Walter, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of the ICB Network, The NHS Alliance.

Questions will include:

• Can you provide an overview of the level and type of demand being faced by ambulance services and accident and emergency departments, and explain what is driving this demand.

• How are ambulance service and emergency department capacity and performance faring today, and how do ambulance and emergency demand and capacity interact?

• How do NHS governance and commissioning arrangements affect ambulance service design, performance and outcomes?

• What reforms are needed to enable ambulance services to have the greatest impact on urgent and emergency care patient experience and outcomes?