Extra funding for ambulance service
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The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service is receiving a much needed boost to its budget which will enable more staff to be employed and new vehicles to be purchased. The Trust Board today approved a business case which ensures that the Ambulance Service will be ready to meet the new response times, which require 75% of life threatening calls to be responded to within 8 minutes (standard to be achieved by April 2001). The approval signals the most significant change in the structure of Ambulance Service since its inception as part of the NHS in 1974. The extra funding also allows for the provision of a dedicated Patient Transport Service, with a fleet of new multi-purpose ambulances. Mark Price, Deputy Chief Executive, said “Recent staff shortages and the new performance standards have highlighted the need to invest in the Ambulance Service. The additional staff and vehicles will make a real difference to the level of service for the Island.”
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Issue date: 27 July 2000
For further information, please contact the Communications Department, Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, St Marys Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG. Telephone number 01983-552003 (out of hours please contact the switchboard)
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