London Ambulances: Keeping the blue lights on

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) is the busiest ambulance service in the country. In 2017/18, it handled over 1.9 million emergency calls from across London and attended more than 1.2 million incidents.

But a key question is, can the LAS cope with the growing volume of demand? The ambulance service is both a barometer and a back-stop for wider pressures across the health and care system.

Today, the London Assembly Health Committee releases its report ‘Supporting London’s ambulance service’ which makes recommendations on how best to support the London Ambulance Service.

The recommendations include:

• Develop an access to work programme to help unemployed Londoners get a job within the service.
• Share best practice to encourage workforce diversity and engage more with London’s diverse communities.
• Identify community safety needs and the resource needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
• Identify gaps in existing provision for falls, mental health, maternity care and end of life care by developing a city-wide response.

Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee said:

“Londoners know that the London Ambulance Service does a fantastic job in this city. This list of recommendations aims to enure the LAS continues to do so.

“In a city of almost 9 million people, the LAS is relied upon heavily and the demand on its service grows day by day. If it works strategically with key partners like the Mayor and London boroughs, it will boost the proficiency and reach of the frontline service which can only be a benefit to all who may need to call upon it in the capital.

“Diversity in the workforce and partnership with diverse communities would also benefit the LAS greatly. It’s important it reflects and understands the many groups of people that make up such a multi-cultural city.

“It’s important that as demand grows, Londoners have an ambulance service that continues to provide excellent service which reflects London and its life.”