Wes Streeting Urged To Ditch Bid To Electrify All UK Ambulances

ee.co.uk
Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'unreasonable' Net Zero strategy to energize all UK ambulances within 15 years.


The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to desert all its diesel ambulances and install nearly 5,000 charging points at healthcare facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered cars.


Health chiefs have actually refused to reveal how much the brand-new ambulances will cost, but main figures seen by the Mail on Sunday reveal it will cost ₤ 100million just to update the grid and electrical facilities required for charging points.


The MoS can also expose there are currently just two electric-powered ambulances picking up travelers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.


There are 160 other electrical emergency situation automobiles for paramedics, consisting of two cars and trucks, 16 response vans and three motorcycles.


The current electrical ambulances have a series of as much as 200 miles, however paramedic crews in backwoods often travel even more in a shift.


Latest figures reveal the average reaction time in England for the most lethal 'category-one' ambulance calls is seven minutes and 52 seconds - compared to an NHS target of seven minutes.


Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of personnel to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have been struggling to satisfy their reaction targets. With these challenges it is absurd to sidetrack NHS employees from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.


West Midlands Ambulance service released the very first fully electric emergency situation ambulance 2020


Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'unreasonable' strategy to amaze all UK ambulances


'Time, preparation and expense are entering into purchasing electric lorries and constructing chargers - a number of which will never ever be set up - rather of enhancing action times.


'Even more worrying is the obstacle of upgrading the grid in time to meet the extra demand.


'This is yet another case of climate policy racing ahead of innovation with stunning outcomes for clients and taxpayers.'


England's first electric ambulance began running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be provided this year to be utilized in metropolitan locations such as Birmingham.


West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy per cent of our location is mainly rural and this continues to be the greatest consider our move to electric - having the range to operate in areas where cars can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'


East of England Ambulance Service has actually been trialling three electric ambulances since 2023, but has actually not utilized them to carry passengers. Another 8 will be provided to the service this year.


The Department of Health stated: 'New electric ambulances will save the NHS ₤ 59million a year to reinvest in frontline care.'


The NHS stated: 'It is right we look for sustainable options when they improve client care and conserve the taxpayer money. will not affect response times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'


Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS
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