Dozens of London paramedics are unable to work each day due to a shortage of ambulances to meet the service's growing workforce, according to a report.
Delays to the delivery of new vehicles has left up to 50 ambulance crews a day waiting to get on the road, the Health Service Journal reported.
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said that the problem was caused by “supply chain issues” and “manufacturing delays” to new vehicles. An LAS source said the issue was not leading to calls going unanswered.
“In recent weeks, this has meant that some of our workforce have been delayed in getting out on the road at the start of their shift,” a spokesperson said.
“However, it is important to note that – despite those manufacturing delays – the number of staff hours on the road in emergency vehicles and caring for patients has increased by 10 per cent compared to last winter.”
The LAS recently hired 900 new frontline staff, while also trying to modernise its fleet.
A source told the HSJ that the issue was a source of frustration for paramedics, some of whom were left “sitting around for half an hour and having a cup of tea” during a shift.
The LAS expects to fix the issue by Christmas with the delivery of an extra 40 ambulances.
A spokesperson for LAS said: “Last year, we recruited an additional 1,600 team members (including 900 frontline ambulance staff), and at the same time began an extensive programme to modernise our fleet, including orders for new ambulances, hybrid response cars, all-electric cars and electric motorcycles.
“We have already taken delivery of many new vehicles, with 40 more due before Christmas. However, supply chain issues and manufacturing delays (compounded in part by the collapse of one of our manufacturers), has delayed the roll out of some of these vehicles.
“In recent weeks, this has meant that some of our workforce have been delayed in getting out on the road at the start of their shift.
"However, it is important to note that – despite those manufacturing delays – the number of staff hours on the road in emergency vehicles and caring for patients has increased by 10 per cent compared to last winter.”
