Ahead of the General Election on 4 July, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) outlines its asks of the new government:
- That our people (learners, employees and volunteers) form the foundation of all policy considerations and decisions related to the NHS ambulance sector.
- That our patients universally receive high-quality, timely care and no longer experience unacceptable delays in response or handover of care, for example, at hospital emergency departments.
- That we are supported in realising our Vision for the NHS ambulance sector, which will ensure the ambulance service can fulfil its core remit: provision of emergency response to those with a life-threatening health need and to major incidents while overseeing the co-ordination, and, at times, delivery of urgent care.
- That we are supported in delivering sustainable, meaningful cultural transformation in response to NHS England’s Culture Review of Ambulance Trusts.
- A medium-term financial plan that provides the required levels of investment to meet:
- Clinical targets, for example, the 18-minute Category 2 target.
- Emergency planning requirements, for example, implementation of the Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations.
- The capital needs of the ambulance sector: vehicles, digital and estates.
- A review of how ambulance and 111 services are commissioned to improve patient care and value for money.
- A commitment to work with the UK NHS ambulance sector to build a fully integrated ambulance service (with health and social care) that meets the needs of its patients and the public.
