Many of the key recommendations put forward by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) have been reflected in the Government’s response to a major parliamentary inquiry into the role of ambulance services, highlighting the influence of ambulance sector evidence on national policy discussions.
The House of Lords Public Services Committee launched its inquiry into the role of ambulance services in supporting accident and emergency departments and improving patient outcomes in early 2026.
As part of the inquiry, AACE submitted detailed written evidence in April 2026 on behalf of ambulance services and was represented during oral evidence sessions by ambulance leaders Jason Killens, John Martin and Fenella Wrigley.
The Government’s response by Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health, published yesterday, acknowledges many of the pressures and opportunities for improving urgent and emergency care.
Among the areas where there was clear alignment were AACE’s calls for greater support for patients to receive care closer to home, recognition that non-conveyance efforts should be focused on specific patient groups (frail older people, people experiencing mental health crises, care home residents and people receiving end-of-life care) where there is realistic scope for improving out-of-hospital care, as well as expanded use of clinical coordination hubs and Category 2 streaming.
The response emphasised the importance of trusted assessor arrangements, allowing paramedics to make direct referrals into community and non-ED services and play a greater role in initiatives such as single points of access and ‘call before convey’. It also recognised the growing contribution of specialist and advanced paramedics, whose expertise across areas including urgent care, mental health, prescribing, primary care and critical care will be central to delivering the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan.
The Government also recognised the importance of clear referral routes, reliable directories of local services, shared clinical governance, access to patient information, digital interoperability and consistent care pathways in enabling ambulance clinicians to make safe, informed and effective decisions for patients. These were all key themes highlighted by AACE throughout its written and oral evidence.
Health Minister Ms Smyth also emphasised the need for lead commissioners to work with ICBs, neighbourhood health teams and ambulance trusts to ensure local pathway variation is visible and reflected in commissioning and improvement plans.
Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE, said:
AACE welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this inquiry, and it is encouraging to see many of the key messages put forward by ambulance services reflected in the Government’s response.
Ambulance services have evolved significantly over recent years. While responding to life-threatening emergencies remains our core role, ambulance clinicians are increasingly helping patients access the right care, in the right place, first time through remote assessment, treatment at scene and referral into alternative services.
It is encouraging to see that reflected in the Government’s response, alongside recognition that ambulance services have become a vital part of delivering and coordinating care in the out-of-hospital setting.
The Government response also explicitly acknowledged AACE’s role in helping to capture, share and spread innovation and good practice across the ambulance sector, highlighting the membership association alongside national clinical and professional leadership groups.
Anna continued:
“One of the strongest messages from ambulance services was that reducing unnecessary hospital attendance is not simply about conveying fewer patients. It requires trusted referral routes, access to patient information, consistent local pathways and effective partnership working across health and care systems. We are pleased to see many of those principles reflected in the Minister’s response.
“This inquiry has provided an important opportunity to highlight the expertise, innovation and value ambulance services bring to patients and communities every day.
We look forward to continuing to work with Government, NHS England and partners across the health and social care system to build on that progress and deliver even better care for patients.”
