Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Robertson, ext 7200, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That the following response to the consultation document `Configuration of NHS Ambulance Trusts in England' be approved:

1. That the Department of Health is informed that Hampshire County Council rejects the proposed merger of the Hampshire Ambulance Service with Thames Valley on the grounds that it is not in the interests of either the population or the NHS in Hampshire.


2. That non-emergency patient transport is not a service that can be regionalised; local knowledge is paramount.


3. That it is easier to do business and align activities where the geographical boundaries for all emergency services are coterminous.

4. It is proposed that further work be undertaken to test:

(a) the procurement and other `back of office' activities that could be provided on an Strategic Health Authority or national basis to achieve greater efficiency

(b) the scope for the ambulance service to provide the initial point of contact for all unscheduled, emergency health calls including out of hours for Hampshire (e.g. emergency ambulance, home visit, accident and emergency)

(c) the use of volunteers as `first responders' who are equipped with, and trained to use defibrillators and other appropriate equipment


(d) the scope for other providers to take on the running of ambulance services, working alongside local partners in the voluntary sector, health and social care


5. That a copy of the final response and the report be sent to all MPs.

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council has been invited to comment on a consultation document published by the Department of Health on the future of ambulance trusts in England. The report offers background information and details the implications for the Hampshire Ambulance Service. The report supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving services) to ensure that the ambulance service in Hampshire continues to meet the changing needs of the whole community.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The option of not commenting on the consultation document was rejected given strong reservations that exist about the proposals and the future of the ambulance service in Hampshire.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE