Wes Streeting has hailed a potentially life-saving improvement in NHS ambulance response times.
The Health Secretary unveiled new figures showing ambulances in England last month reached heart attack patients and other ‘Category 2’ calls faster than at any time since the pandemic.
According to the new data, average ambulance response times were 15 minutes faster in December than last winter. That marked the best December performance since before Covid, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) officials said.
They claimed the improved response times showed that the Government’s efforts to prepare for winter ‘earlier than ever before’ had made a difference, potentially saving thousands of lives.
That included rolling out 500 new ambulances across the country and investing £450 million more into accident and emergency care services.
The new figures reported that ambulances arrived in 32 minutes and 43 seconds on average last month, compared to 47 minutes and 26 seconds the previous year. In December 2022, the average time was one hour, 32 minutes and 55 seconds.
Responding to the figures, Mr Streeting said: ‘If you suffer a suspected heart attack or stroke this winter, the ambulance will reach you 15 minutes faster than last year.
‘That could be the difference between life and death, thanks to this government’s investment and modernisation.’
Wes Streeting is seen leaving Downing Street on Tuesday. Last night he hailed a potentially life-saving improvement in NHS ambulance response times
According to the new data, average ambulance response times were 15 minutes faster in December than last winter (File image)
He added: ‘We prepared earlier, invested in 500 new ambulances, backed staff with modern technology in A&E, and boosted vaccinations to protect more people.
‘There are still too many patients receiving unacceptable levels of care, and there’s a long road ahead of us.
‘But the efforts of NHS staff this winter has made real progress for patients.
‘A lot done, and the best is still to come.’
The Tories welcomed the ambulance response time improvement last night but insisted there was still a ‘serious strain on the system’.
Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew said: ‘Any improvement in ambulance response times is welcome.
‘But the reality is crews spent the equivalent of 137 years parked outside hospitals in Labour’s first eight months in office and there is still serious strain on the system.
‘Only the Conservatives have the team, plan and leader with a backbone who will deliver the stronger economy needed to fund our public services.’
