South's ambulance services to work together
Bosses say they're facing 'operational and financial challenges'
Last updated 10th Dec 2024
Two ambulance services in the South have agreed to work more closely together due to what they are describing as 'operational and financial challenges' facing the NHS.
The South Central (SCAS) and South East Coast (SECAmb) trusts have said they are looking to form a 'group model' where teams will collaboratively in a number of areas, while remaining as independent organisations.
SCAS operates across Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, while SECAmb is responsible for services in Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Both organisations say the aim is also to improve the work experience of staff, ensure financial sustainability and 'help us deliver a service capable of meeting the needs of our patients, both now and in the future'.
They will appoint appoint a new strategic lead to work across both organisations to develop a joint case for change, that will explore how the group model could work.
Chief Executive of SECAmb, Simon Weldon said:
"As we take forward this new collaborative approach, we look forward to working with our colleagues at SCAS, forging new working relationships, sharing best practices and ultimately delivering the best care possible to our patients.”