Private firm helps with ambulance 999 calls

Ambulances from a private company based in Scunthorpe are being used to cover emergencies in Newark, the Advertiser has learned.

According to an EMAS employee, who has spoken to the Advertiser, Amvale Medical Transport ambulances are being used not just for routine patient transfers but also for emergencies and road accidents.

The source said that private ambulances were having to be used because EMAS resources were stretched to breaking point.

“They are doing anything to try and keep numbers up, and these private ambulances are being used for frontline services, anything from accidents to heart attacks,” he said.

“Basically EMAS is struggling to cope now so how they will be when the changes come in I don’t know.”

He said Amvale staff backed up regular EMAS clinicians, and that many were former or retired paramedics.

Amvale ambulances can sometimes be seen waiting outside Newark Ambulance Station.

Mr David Moore, a paramedic with EMAS until 2001, said: “Private ambulances were never used during my time. It wasn’t contemplated.

“It is a sign of deterioration. They can’t cope, particularly in the Newark area.”

Mr Peter Brown, of Amvale Medical Transport, confirmed that the company was contracted by EMAS to work in Newark.

He said they attended emergencies and that all staff who attended such incidents had appropriate training.

“We have been in business for 25 years and we do the job right. We have hundreds of vehicles and all our work is NHS work,” he said.

The Care Quality Commission has found Amvale to be meeting standards in all areas, including the standard of its staff and the care they provide.

The EMAS source said he also understood there were plans to replace one of the ambulances based at Newark with a car after midnight, which he said would further reduce the ability to transport patients.

A spokesman for EMAS said: “EMAS is currently using Amvale to support the trust in dealing with current activity levels.

“As part of that agreement, Amvale provide staff trained to technician level who are predominantly used to back up solo responders at incidents.

“If a paramedic level of care needs to be provided, the solo paramedic travels with the patient for continuity of care and Amvale provide the transport facility.

“As part of our Being The Best proposals, we are reviewing our rosters to ensure that our resource levels are appropriately matched to meet the demand profile.

“Negotiations are under way with staff regarding the exact outcomes of those changes.”