Health and Social Care Secretary and Scottish Secretary have today
praised the collaboration between the English and Scottish NHS
ambulance services - showcasing the strength of the union as the
UK continues to battle the pandemic.
As of Saturday (23 January), a third of Scottish ambulance calls
are being taken by centres in England, following a high level of
staff absence for call handlers in the Scottish Ambulance Service
related to Covid-19.
Five services in England are providing this ongoing mutual aid to
Scotland: West Midlands Ambulance Service, North West Ambulance
Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, South Western Ambulance
Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
They are taking 999 calls from BT, triaging them and providing
pre-arrival advice.
Health and Social Care Secretary, , said:
“Throughout the pandemic we have worked closely across the UK in
a united front against this virus. This ambulance service
collaboration is another example of the national health service
working across the whole country in a spirit of mutual aid –
offering support when it’s needed.
“From vaccines to ambulance services, we are stronger together
across the UK in the fight against this pandemic.”
Scottish Secretary, said:
“Collaboration between English and Scottish NHS ambulance
services illustrates the whole of the UK pulling together to
benefit every part of the Union. This mutual aid is vitally
important, with services ready and able to support each other.
“The fight against the coronavirus is a truly national effort.
From the furlough scheme to vaccine procurement and the backing
of our military personnel, the UK Government is committed to
delivering for all parts of the UK.”
Notes to editors:
All ambulance services in the UK have well-established buddy
arrangements for dealing with spikes in 999 calls. These new
arrangements, which are overseen by the National Ambulance
Co-ordination, build upon those existing arrangements and
strengthen them further.
