Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'absurd' Net Zero plan to energize all UK ambulances within 15 years.
The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to desert all its diesel ambulances and set up practically 5,000 points at healthcare facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.
Health chiefs have refused to reveal how much the brand-new ambulances will cost, however main figures seen by the Mail on Sunday reveal it will cost ₤ 100million simply to upgrade the grid and electrical facilities required for charging points.
The MoS can likewise reveal there are presently just 2 electric-powered ambulances getting guests in England - compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.
There are 160 other electric emergency cars for paramedics, including two cars and trucks, 16 action vans and 3 motorbikes.
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The most recent electrical ambulances have a series of approximately 200 miles, but paramedic crews in backwoods frequently take a trip further in a shift.
Latest figures show the average response time in England for the most deadly 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared with an NHS target of 7 minutes.
Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of personnel to ex-prime minister Theresa May, said: 'Ambulance services have actually been having a hard time to satisfy their response targets. With these obstacles it is unreasonable to distract NHS employees from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.
West Midlands Ambulance service introduced the first completely electric emergency ambulance 2020
Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'unreasonable' strategy to electrify all UK ambulances
'Time, preparation and expense are going into buying electric vehicles and constructing chargers - much of which will never be installed - instead of improving response times.
'A lot more concerning is the challenge of upgrading the grid in time to satisfy the extra need.
'This is yet another case of climate policy racing ahead of technology with shocking outcomes for patients and taxpayers.'
England's first electrical ambulance began operating in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be provided this year to be utilized in city areas such as Birmingham.
West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: 'Seventy per cent of our location is primarily rural and this continues to be the greatest aspect in our transfer to electric - having the variety to operate in locations where lorries can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'
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East of England Ambulance Service has actually been trialling three electric ambulances given that 2023, however has not used them to transfer guests. Another 8 will be delivered 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 seek sustainable alternatives when they enhance patient care and conserve the taxpayer money. Electric ambulances will not affect action times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'
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Wes Streeting Urged to Ditch Bid to Electrify all UK Ambulances
gilbertofromm edited this page 2025-07-04 12:29:46 +00:00