Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock visited London Ambulance Service NHS Trust to meet with paramedics, 999 call handlers and colleagues from across the Trust, including those working in fleet support.
During his visit, the Secretary of State heard from staff at Waterloo Ambulance Station about the additional pressures the team has been under during the pandemic and the wellbeing support in place.
The ambulance service epitomises the spirit of the NHS and its constant readiness to support people at their most vulnerable. The Secretary of State expressed his thanks and admiration to staff at London Ambulance Service NHS Trust – and colleagues around the country – for all they do.
There are over 14,000 paramedics in England and this number continues to grow. In February 2021, there were 670 more hospital and community service (HCHS) paramedics than in the previous year, an increase of 4.9%. According to the latest data in March 2021, there were 946 more HCHS ambulance staff working in the NHS than in the previous year, an increase of 5.6%.
Paramedic Science students on eligible courses can access a non-repayable annual maintenance grant of at least £5,000 per academic year. This support package enables paramedic students to focus on their studies and placements and contributes to alleviating any financial pressures students might be facing.
