500 new ambulances deployed to boost NHS winter response
More than 500 new ambulances will be deployed in England to cut response times for patients in every region, the government has announced.
The vehicles – which will replace old ambulances across England – represent one of the biggest upgrades to the NHS fleet in recent years and have been rolled out to every region of England, helping emergency services respond faster and more reliably through winter.
The new double crew ambulances are equipped with modern safety technology, improving protection for patients and staff while supporting paramedics to deliver urgent care more effectively.
The new ambulances have reduced breakdown rates and time spent out of service, meaning more vehicles have remained on the road and available to respond to emergencies.
The government has committed a further £412 million over the next four years to continue renewing the ambulance fleet and modernising emergency services.
The announcement comes as the NHS manages significant winter pressures, including an early flu peak and the effects of recent industrial action.
Despite this, ambulance response times have improved compared to last year, hundreds of thousands more vaccines have been delivered, and more care has been delivered in the community to help keep patients away from overcrowded A&E departments.
“Modern, well-equipped and reliable ambulances are a vital part of emergency care and allow staff to respond quickly and safely when patients need them most,” said NHS national director for urgent and emergency care, Sarah Jane Marsh.
“This new fleet of ambulances are a crucial link between providing patient care whether at home, in transit or at an emergency department and are a real boost at a time when staff are working incredibly hard and emergency care is under considerable pressure.”
