One of the greatest strengths of the ambulance sector is the insight it brings from the frontline. Every day, ambulance clinicians see first-hand the challenges facing patients and healthcare systems, placing them in a unique position to influence how services develop in the future.
That influence was clearly demonstrated in the Government’s recent response to the House of Lords Public Services Committee inquiry into the role of ambulance services in supporting accident and emergency departments and improving patient outcomes.
The inquiry provided an important opportunity for the ambulance sector to make its voice heard nationally. Through written and oral evidence submitted by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) on behalf of UK ambulance services, the sector highlighted both the challenges facing urgent and emergency care and the practical solutions needed to improve patient outcomes.
Encouragingly, many of the key recommendations put forward by ambulance services were reflected in the Government’s response.
Among the areas where there was clear alignment were calls to support more patients to receive care closer to home, make better use of clinical coordination hubs and Category 2 streaming, and focus non-conveyance initiatives on patient groups where there is genuine potential to improve out-of-hospital care, including frail older people, care home residents, people experiencing mental health crises and those receiving end-of-life care.
The response also recognised the importance of trusted referral routes, direct access to alternative services, shared patient information, digital interoperability and clear care pathways. These are all factors that help ambulance clinicians make safe, informed decisions about the most appropriate care for patients.
Importantly, the Government acknowledged the growing contribution of specialist and advanced paramedics, recognising the role they play across urgent care, mental health, prescribing, primary care and critical care. This reflects the continuing evolution of ambulance services and the increasingly important role they play in delivering care outside traditional hospital settings.
For ambulance staff, the significance of the inquiry extends beyond any individual policy recommendation. It demonstrates that the experience and expertise of ambulance services are being recognised at the highest levels of national decision-making. It also highlights how the sector is increasingly seen not just as a responder to emergencies, but as a key partner in improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of healthcare.
AACE Managing Director Anna Parry 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 response also recognised AACE’s role in sharing innovation and good practice across the ambulance sector, underlining the value of a strong national voice for ambulance services.
At a time when urgent and emergency care continues to face significant pressures, the inquiry is a reminder that ambulance services are not simply responding to change. They are helping to shape it. By ensuring the frontline experience of clinicians and services informs national policy via AACE, the sector can continue to influence decisions that ultimately benefit both patients and staff.
More detail on the House of Lords Public Services Committee inquiry into the role of ambulance services in supporting accident and emergency departments is here.
