The army will help drive ambulances in West Sussex
It is due to the continuing pressure of the coronavirus pandemic
Last updated 28th Jan 2021
The army has been deployed to drive ambulances in West Sussex - as our local service continues to feel the pressure from the coronavirus pandemic.
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, will be supported by 36 military personnel over the coming weeks.
Based at the team's operational areas in Gatwick and Polegate, they will each be paired with a SECAmb clinician for a shift to drive an ambulance
The Trust has welcomed the support which follows a request to the Ministry of Defence, approved under the Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA) principles.
The move follows on from SECAmb working with fire services across its region so that a number of firefighters are ready to provide similar support when needed.
The military personnel will work on set shifts in line with patient demand.
The deployment will be scaled back or increased as SECAmb continues to closely monitor pressure on its service.
SECAmb Executive Director of Operations, Joe Garcia, said:
“Over recent weeks we have been exploring ways in which we can bolster our frontline response to patients during these difficult times.
"Following on from our continuing work with our fire services, we are very grateful for this additional support from the armed forces.
"Following a short period of familiarisation training these individuals will be ready to team up with a SECAmb clinician for a shift meaning that we are able to put more ambulances out on the road to respond to our patients.”
Colonel Ian Adkins, Deputy Commander Joint Military Command, South East said:
“Following their familiarisation training, this initial group of military personnel, and a liaison team, will be embedded within South East Coast Ambulance Service.
"They will assist by driving ambulances and supporting the Trust as it continues to care for the most vulnerable during the region’s response to the pandemic.
"We will continue to work closely with the Trust to provide additional personnel if required.”