North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has announced plans to tackle the anticipated rise in demand for NHS and ambulance services this winter. The service has recruited more than 280 new staff members over the past year, and since February, 32 new emergency vehicles have been added to the fleet, bringing the total to 553 ambulances. Volunteers will also be deployed to assist with staff welfare, offering refreshments at hospitals during peak times and helping to move equipment, staff, and vehicles around the region.
Dan Ainsworth, director of operations, said: "We’re here for you this winter, as always, and our comprehensive plans will help us to maintain the high-quality care you expect. "Winter brings unique challenges and increased demand, but we’re as prepared as possible. "To help us help you, consider getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you haven’t already, keep your medicines cabinets stocked up, order repeat prescriptions in advance, make use of local pharmacies, and visit 111.
nhs.uk for advice on non-urgent conditions." Over the last 12 months, NWAS has remained 'one of the top-performing ambulance trusts in the country.
' Fewer patients have experienced long delays, and they continue to work closely with local hospitals to reduce handover times, freeing up crews and ambulances to respond to new emergencies..