East of England Ambulance Services introducing 15 new vehicles
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS), criticised in the past over response times, says it is
introducing 15 new ambulances from Monday 18th February. The announcement follows a review in response to patient and staff feedback to identify where more double staffed ambulances might be needed.

EEAS is also recruiting 75 new paramedics and 124 care assistants.

The ambulance service trust's interim chief executive Andrew Morgan said: "After reviewing the situation and listening to patient and staff feedback it became clear that getting more double staffed ambulances out there was a priority that would directly benefit patients and reduce waiting times.

"I have had many discussions about the resources we have available and we are tackling the situation in many ways by recruiting more staff, trying to better match staff availability to demand, giving more power to local managers to deliver the right service for their area, working with hospitals to reduce turnaround times and addressing productivity, efficiency and sickness issues.

"All of this work will continue and must deliver results."

EEAS said it could not say at present how much the ambulances cost.

Unison's EEAS branch Secretary Gary Applin said: "We welcome the increase in double staffed ambulances. It will make things better for patients and staff. Any increase can definitely be welcomed."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21273157